Manufacturing, technical and service related jobs are being lost due to businesses closing or outsourcing. The movie and media industry can be the solution for economic development and job diversity. The motion picture and television industry is a significant tax revenue generator and latest statistics indicate that the motion picture industry is one of the most highly competitive around the world. One of the few that consistently generates a positive balance of trade in practically every country in which it does business.

Wage and salary employment in the motion picture and video industries is projected to grow 14 percent between 2008 and 2018 (U.S. Department of Labor Dec 2010) compared with 11 percent projected growth for wage to salary employment in all industries combined. Job growth will result from the increase in demand for programming needed to fill the rising number of cable and satellite television channels both in the United States and abroad.

Leaders from both political parties across the nation realize the positive economic impact movies and media provide in economic development and job creation. In November 2011 Republican Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell stated "Film production means job creation." Former Democratic Senator and Chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America Chris Dodd agreed on the importance of the movie Industry and economic development.

The film and media industry effect on other industries can be substantial: Multipliers reflect the underlying economic reality that increase spending causes "ripple effects. For example, a film production will increase the incomes of hospitality providers, suppliers of raw materials, equipment rental firms, real estate organizations, just a small sampling of the many industries that would benefit.

Long-term benefits for supporting and sustaining film are the creation of jobs. These are not just temporary jobs related to the actual production of a film, but come in the form of attracting and growing new companies and permanent jobs across the board to support the film and media industries. That translates to new money and new tax dollars.

Workforce training is very important in attracting motion picture production to a location. In North Idaho kNIFVES (Northwest Independent Film Video Entertainment Society) (a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization) is very active in accomplishing the workforce training goal. Workshops are an important part of the kNIFVES mission to provide training opportunities to those interested in working in the film and video industry. kNIFVES offer classes and instruction on all aspects of the industry, including acting, composition, production and screenwriting. For more information including upcoming events go to www.kNIFVES.org

The State of Idaho passed HB 592 in 2008, and it was signed into law by Governor Otter; unfortunately, due to the economy it was not funded. The law would have provided for economic stimulus and workforce development for Idaho. The important aspect of this legislation is that productions must spend in Idaho first, and upon satisfying the legislative requirements then the production would receive the rebate. In the 2010 session the legislature passed House Bill 525. The legislation was signed into law by Governor and took effect on July 1st. The legislation amended the original law to include additional sources of funding, which includes grants, federal monies, donations and funds from any other sources Idaho is one of the few states that have this option. The law sunsets in 2014

The Idaho Film Office, part of the Idaho Department of Commerce, is planning a Cineposium to be held in Coeur d'Alene on May 18 and 19 featuring national industry leaders to speak, and hold panel discussions on many aspects of the movie and media industry. Stay tuned for details. Movies and Media are ready to take a leading role in economic development

Russ Simons is co-chairman of the Idaho Film Advisory Committee and a Board Member of kNIFVES