The Florida Film & Entertainment Advisory Council meeting was called to order by the Council Chair at 8:30am

ATTENDANCE:
Chair: J. Ronald Castell
Vice Chair: Paul Meena

Members present:
Mike Daniel for Burt Reynolds/Jeff Peel/Mary Hinton/Arlene Herson/Hollis Bachelor/Bob Allen/Daphne Boyd/Dawn Guzzetta/Patrick Keating/Barry Plans/Dr. Lew Klechak/Michael Anapolsky/Don Ungurait, Ph.D., /Bo Taff/Lucia Fishburne/Rebecca D. Mattingly

Members absent:
Jasper Ballance (Excused)/Frank "Bud" Nocera (Excused)

Staff:
Audrey L. Anderson/Robert Grimm/Susan Simms (Los Angeles Liaison)

Meeting Discussion:

New Business:
R. Castell (Chair) welcomes the newly appointed members Dawn Guzzetta, Daphne Boyd and Jasper Ballance (absence excused due personal commitment made prior to his appointment to the Council).

R. Castell motioned for the minutes of the June meeting to be accepted and approved.

M. Hinton & P. Meena seconded.

Motion carried.

P. Meena motioned that Labor Relations item on the agenda be moved to the top of the agenda due to its importance.

Chair- so moved

Labor Relations:
R. Mattingly started by giving an overview of the October 5, 2001 emergency meeting of the Film Florida Labor Council conducted at the SAG Office in Miami.

The meeting was called to discuss the impact that the attack on America has/will have on the motion picture and television production sector in Florida and the labor union workforce. R. Mattingly discussed the statewide effort driven by the Governor and the Office of Tourism, Trade & Economic Development (OTTED) to rejuvenate Florida's economy, tourism, security and consumer confidence. Also discussed in that meeting was a partnership effort between the Office of Film & Entertainment (OFE) and local labor unions on a joint letter of industry solidarity between labor unions and film offices to be advertised in the November 19. Florida issue of Daily Variety, to promote Florida and encourage business. Unfortunately, this effort was not successful.

P. Meena asked about the alleged "strong-arm" tactics of the labor unions in their efforts to secure commercial contracts. Paul stated that he is concerned as he as received several emails from clients that say they are not coming back (to Florida) because of this. Paul added that when we have clients that have shot here for years say that they are not coming back; it's just not worth going through the hassles with the unions. Paul requested any ideas or suggestions as to how we can work this out and come to a happy ground.

B. Allen requested more detail on the issue.

P. Meena explained that clients are being forced to sign the union's contracts. They (Unions) are going on the sets and forcing these companies to sign their contracts in order to film in Florida.

B. Allen asked if these companies that are coming to Florida, hire people to work knowing that they are union members?

P. Meena responded by saying that they (clients) are hiring who they feel are the best persons for the job.

Larry Gianneschi, member of IATSE Local 600, stated his local and Local 477 conducted a series of meetings in 1999 and 2000 -- one in Miami and one in Orlando -- to educate local independent Production Managers, Coordinators and Production Companies themselves about the commercial contracts. However, very few people attended. Mr. Gianneschi further stated "we are very close to coming up with a contract that is solid and that everyone will be happy with."

M. Hinton asked Mr. John Hilsman (also a member IATSE 600) if union contracts are consistent nationally, are they consistent with other states, are they consistent in the State of Florida?

Mr. Hilsman answered saying, our contracts do have a degree of consistency.

H. Batchelor stated that most of the big budget commercials filmed in Florida are under Screen Actors Guild contracts. When production companies and advertising agencies that are assigned to our contract do not want to pay the crews, it is up to us (SAG) to contact them and enforce the terms of our collective bargaining agreement. H. Batchelor further stated that SAG is working to maintain a level of professionalism in the state.*

September 11th Attack - Impact on the Film Industry Report - Verbal & written presentation by R. Mattingly: vb

The terrorist attacks in New York City have only enhanced the low levels of activity in the State of Florida. On September 19, the Office of Film & Entertainment (OFE) conducted a conference call with the local film offices in the major markets (as well as a few rural ones) to discuss potential impacts and recommendations to maintain/save business opportunities. On September 21, the OFE conducted a conference call with key industry and government leaders in Miami-Dade to discuss specific impacts on the commercial and still photography sectors. On October 5, the OFE conduced a meeting with the leadership of the motion picture industry labor unions to discuss specific impacts on their organizations and membership. From these meetings we were able to find that film offices that are primarily funded by tourism organizations are already undergoing budget cuts in the 10% to 50% range. Film offices that are primarily funded by economic development, chamber, or Mayor's offices do not anticipate budget cuts or reallocations of their funding. These tourism-based, smaller and more rural film offices will become even more reliant upon the OFE to promote and market their areas. Most European business, especially in South Florida, has been either cancelled or postponed due to travel fears or travel restrictions. As a result, it is anticipated that Florida has already lost over $30 million in commercial and print business. The OFE, local film offices and industry associations and private sector companies are rallying to develop an incentive and promotional package to keep Florida competitive during this time. This incentive package is designed to take us through the next 6-8 months critical season for commercials, movies, and television series productions.

Incentive Package includes the following: Florida Discounts & Deals Program (promoting Florida vendors and businesses who offer discounts on services between 10-30%, Production Partners Program (networking and communication program uniting Florida's production and advertising industries; designed to keep commercial production in the state); Get Back to Life, Get Back to Business PSA Campaign (an ad campaign created by the Florida Chapter of the Assoc. of Independent Commercial Producers to boost consumer confidence), Direct Mail campaign featuring personal letters from the Governor to domestic and in-state clients, state agencies, tourism organizations urging them to keep their production business in Florida, and various ad-buys in industry trade publications.

R. Castell (Chair) requested that R. Mattingly ask the Governor acknowledge these programs, which he has.

The OFE will lead efforts to maintain our brand and presence and market these programs to industry through 4Q 2001 and 1Q 2002.

S. Simms gave the Los Angeles report. She stated that LA is suffering from severe unemployment, layoffs and low morale in the motion picture industry. Since 9/11, Florida has lost many movies, commercials, and features, especially those with airport content. Florida is loosing business to Canada and Australia and New York. S. Simms further urged everyone in the room and in the industry to put aside petty differences and come together, as an industry. She urged for unity and better communication and a spirit of working together, because we're all in this together.

Legislation
Verbal presentation by Robert Grimm:
In the special session, the House of Representatives passed the Senate Budget and Terrorism related bills. The Governor's Office of Film & Entertainment took a budget cut and the legislature will go into another special session and may see another cut.

H. Batchelor stated that Film Florida would again host a legislative reception during the regular session. He further indicated his willingness to bring some celebrities to attend the Tallahassee for the reception.

Talent Agency Regulation
Verbal Presentation by Hollis Batchelor:
In 1986 the State of Florida re-instituted regulations for the operation of talent agencies. It is important that a state maintains these types of regulations because without them people can run many scams. Talent agency regulations are administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR). The DBPR has an application process and they will license a talent agency and they will also enforce the regulations. The Department of Business and Professional Regulations has gone to the legislature to try and get rid of these regulations based on the fact that they were loosing money enforcing them. They were also unable to adequately enforce the regulations. In August I was able to meet with the Secretary of Department of Business and Professional Regulations to discuss this matter. I was told by the Secretary the DBPR that if I can come up with a plan to make this process work better; she is willing to try it. I am working on a plan that we can bring back to the commission and look at it. I would first like to meet with the people in Tallahassee that I need to meet with. It is very important for the State of Florida to maintain these regulations.

The National AICP and the National IA got together and came up with the Lunch Club and we hope that we are very close to an agreement with the IA. When a production company comes in they will sign this contract and become apart of the Lunch Club. It is open to everyone. All they have to do is pay the $100 initiation fee. If a Production company chooses not to sign an agreement to be a part of the Lunch Buff, we get them to sign a different agreement.

Workforce Florida, Inc.:
Verbal presentation and overview of Workforce Florida, Inc. by L. Fishburne
Workforce Florida, Inc., provides guidance, training assistance, and manage training program etc. It's linking workforce and economic development strategies through business-driven initiatives and programs to meet current and future business needs.

Workforce Florida, Inc.'s 45-member board was created by Chapter 445, Workforce Innovation Act, Florida Statutes, and is appointed by the Governor. In addition, the system is operated through performance-based contracts that increase accountability of all entities to meet strategic and legislative mandated goals.

The High Skills/High Wages Council partners with other organizations that has an interest in improving Florida's workforce to better meet the needs of the state's economy, including Enterprise Florida, Inc., the Florida Economic Development Council, economic development organizations statewide, the Agency for Workforce Innovation, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, public and private training providers, and others.

First Annual Florida Film Educators Even Exchange Event
Verbal presentation by R. Mattingly:
The First Annual Florida Film Educators Even Exchange seminar is scheduled for Jan. 18-19, 2002 at UCF. This forum is an annual event for networking, professional development and communications for Florida's secondary and post secondary educators in the film, television and media arts. The goal of this initiative is to increase communications among education, government, and industry and to foster continued educational and economic excellence in Florida's motion picture and video production and distribution industry sector and services allied. Each panel discussion will feature a mix of educators and industry professionals and will be led by a moderator. Sponsors for this event are the University of Central Florida, Universal Studios, and The Metro Orlando Film Office. R. Mattingly urged everyone in industry and education to attend.

Lucia Fishburne stated that this is major event and step forward for the Office of Film & Entertainment (OFE), considering the disbandment of FIFE (Florida Institute for Film Education) and that she so happy the OFE has taken this initiative on.

M. Hinton stated that she would like for the Advisory Council to consider adopting this program formally.

Film Commission Professional Development
Verbal Presentation by R. Mattingly:
The First Annual Professional Development Workshop for Florida's Film Commissions (Reel Deal I) was successful. The purpose of this annual workshop is to improve the services of Florida's film offices, as well as the quality and delivery of those services. The workshops are focused on understanding the changing market place in order to create loyal internal and external partners and customers. Out of this workshop came the Florida Film Commission Essentials Guidebook, which is a document that sets basic standard operating procedures of Florida's film offices - a basic "how to do you job better" guide. A committee of local film officers, led by J. Peel, has been formed to review the draft text of the Guidebook. Final publication is slated for January 2002.

Both J. Peel and H. Batchelor acknowledged the OFE for taking the lead on improving the networking, communication and teamwork that has developed between the state film office and the local film offices over the past two years. The publication of the Florida Film Commission Essentials Guidebook is a testament to this initiative.

Special Guest
Verbal Presentation by Mike McCarthy, IATSE 477:
Mike McCarthy stated he went out to LA to participate in IATSE negotiations in September, 2001. All of the Business agents from all the studios were invited to sit in on the negotiations by IA International President, Mr. Tom Shot. They were given the opportunity to present their proposals. IA-Florida proposals were:

All of the studio accountancy offices got a 3% increase in wages, which started last October 1.

As a producer you can come into the State of Florida and if you produce a TV series in any city in the State of Florida, that city automatically becomes an IA Production Center. So outside the three cities (Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale), producers now have the choice of any city in the state (for television production), which will be in that same classification.

Producers no longer have to house the crew. We negotiated the Disney agreement back in August; however, it is not complete. We got a 3.5% increase in wages and a 50-cent increase in benefits. On the low budget agreements, these are separate contracts and are basically the same agreements. Some might have to be negotiated by international. We recently negotiated one in Jacksonville, and it worked out good.

There are special contracts. These special contracts have a much lower rate, ranging from $16 - $22 per hour. They are negotiated by international. They are HBO, Showtime, Hallmark, and about 20 other companies, so they are separate agreements.

Under Commercial contracts, there are no rates in the contract. It is up to the employer to negotiate rate. Keep in mind when the employer and the employee negotiate the rates, we get the benefits on both sides. The cost of benefits, are $38 per day on a term agreement, or $52 on a single agreement. Anyone can have copies of our contracts.

The Council acknowledged the IA members, and Mike McCarthy and thanked them for their presentation.

Public Comment
Mr. Al Crespo stated that he would like for all of the FFEAC members to join them to protest in Lakeland against the Citrus Commission next Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 12:00 p.m. for the hiring of out of state companies.

A motion was made by the Chair to adjourn.

Seconded by Mary Hinton.

Meeting Adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted-Audrey L. Anderson

*There was a variety of questions and dialogue from various members of the gallery posing questions to the union membership for better clarification. For a detailed account of the discussion, please contact Audrey L. Anderson.