IMPA’s Response to Recent Iowa Film Promotion Program Developments

On Monday, October 5, 2009, there were several developments concerning the Iowa Film Promotion Program:

• The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) released the review of the Iowa Film Office conducted by Clifton Gunderson, LLP.
  
• Tom Miller, Iowa’s Attorney General, released a statement announcing that his office would be “undertaking a criminal investigation of the Iowa Film Office.”
• Governor Chet Culver released a written statement stating that he has directed Public Safety Commissioner Gene Meyer to assist with the criminal investigations and after reviewing this report, the film tax credit program should not move forward until interim director Fred Hubbell and the Economic Development Board have received clear direction on the appropriate interpretation of the film program statute and the proper controls and oversight that must be followed.

The IMPA supports the full audit and investigation of the Iowa Film Promotion Program and while the revelations in the review were disturbing, the IMPA believes that the program can be fixed and reinstated quickly by implementing changes in policies and practices, as well as, requiring complete documentation and accountability of all approved production expenses. Our formal recommendations to the IDED can be viewed here.

IMPA is dedicated to the pursuit of lifting the suspension of the Iowa Film Promotion Program due to our belief that the program provides a positive economic impact to our state and that the reasons for creating the program are still as relevant today as they were in 2007.

The IMPA board and membership includes people with extensive experience in production budgets, project financing, and awareness of other states’ programs. We offer our assistance to help improve the Iowa Film Promotion Program and help maximize the economic, cultural, and social benefits to our state.

IMPA, our members and other industry partners will continue to convey the positive impact that the Iowa Film Promotion Program has had on our state and work for the reinstatement of the program.  IMPA has created a strategic communication plan and will continue to implement various tactics over the upcoming weeks.