June 8, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CRC Co-Chairs Reps. Chu and Collins Join Creators, Stars, and Inspirations Behind Academy Award®- Winner Spotlight to Discuss Process and Impact of Filmmaking

Washington, D.C. – Today, Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Judy Chu (CA-27) and Representative Doug Collins (GA-09) hosted a panel on the process and impact of taking a movie from script to screen. The panelists, all women and men who brought the Academy Award®-winning film Spotlight to life, included Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers; Ben Bradlee, Jr. and Mike Rezendes, The Boston Globe; John Slattery, Mad Men, Spotlight, Veep; Stephen H. Carter, Production Designer, Birdman, Spotlight; and Liz Biber, EVP, Publicity, Open Road Films. Reps. Chu and Collins released the following statements:

“Movies like Spotlight help to move, educate and inspire us, and along with other copyright industries they also contribute over $1 trillion to our GDP each year. This would not be possible without the hundreds of people who spent countless hours scripting, pitching, designing, acting, building, and more,” said Rep. Chu. “But without intellectual property protections, movies like Spotlight become harder to make and the below the line artists and craftsmen and women are the ones who suffer the most. That is why it is so important to host events like today’s that help educate Congress on the importance of these industries, how many people are involved, and how we can support them.”

“The American film and television industry is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation,” saidRep. Collins. “The ideas these talented individuals bring to our televisions and movie screens are not only captivating and entertaining, but also challenge us with new stories and perspectives. It takes a great deal of hard work and long hours from many people, doing a diverse array of jobs, to make this industry thrive. Ideas have value, both economically and culturally, and are worth protecting. We must ensure intellectual property protections from theft and piracy, so as not to discourage future generations from pursuing creative careers that contribute so much to our country. I am proud that many filmmakers, directors, actors, and production staff have chosen Georgia as their creative home base, because the jobs created by their industry help grow our economy, both locally in Georgia and across the country. I thank my Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Chu, for joining me today to make this event happen, and I thank the panelists for taking time to share their expertise on bringing movies from ‘script to screen’.”