MORAN SEEKS STATE FUNDS FOR ‘BIG STONE GAP’

~budget amendment for up to $3 million~

RICHMOND – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian J. Moran proposed additional state funding of up to $3 million to ensure that Virginia’s celebrated movie ‘Big Stone Gap’ is filmed in the Commonwealth. The movie ‘Big Stone Gap’ is based on the best-selling book of the same title by Wise county native Adriana Trigiani. Chairman Moran’s budget amendment seeks up to $3 million in additional state funding for the Virginia Film Office to provide incentives that ensure the movie is filmed in the Commonwealth. Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Gate City) and Delegate Bud Phillips (D-Castlewood) have agreed to co-sponsor the funding request.

“The film should be made here in Virginia. It’s a showcase of the fantastic culture and heritage in Big Stone Gap and across Virginia and there is no better place to film it than here in the Commonwealth,” said Chairman Moran. “The state should ensure that our cultural treasures don’t escape us and I’m proud to be working on this important issue. Production of this film in Big Stone Gap will have lasting impact on the region and provide long-term economic growth.”

The proposal offered by Chairman Moran would provide these funds to the Virginia Film Office so that the office can design the most appropriate incentive package. Incentives may come in the form of direct equipment purchases and cost deferal or tax incentives. Any funds provided by other public sources like the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority or the Virginia Tobacco Commission would reduce the amount provided from the General Fund through this proposal.

Chairman Moran first brought public interest to the filming of this movie with a letter to Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Pat Gottschalk on October 30, 2006. He had learned that other states – most notably South Carolina – have offered a significant incentive package including tax exemptions, rebates and other tax credits to attract the film’s producers. Ms. Trigiani is passionate about making the movie in her hometown of Big Stone Gap.

“I want to keep this movie produced at home, where it belongs. It’s a movie about Big Stone Gap and should be filmed in the pristine beautiful settings around that part of Virginia,” said author Adriana Trigiani. “I thank Chairman Moran for taking this issue to the highest levels.”

The filming of ‘Big Stone Gap’ in the region from which it draws the title has two lasting benefits for the Commonwealth. First, the production of the film will bring good, high-paying jobs to the region with additional investment in infrastructure that will have a positive effect on the regional economy. Second, the film is a statement of heritage and history that will improve tourism and attract future investment in the region.

Wise County Board of Supervisor member John Peace, who represents District 3 encompassing Big Stone Gap and East Stone Gap, also serves on the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority. Peace stresses the importance of making this movie in Big Stone Gap because of its potential as an economic development tool for the tourism industry of the region. The book has reached a huge audience; however, the movie would reach an new and wider audience. Peace insists, “To get the best effect, we need that spotlight to hit directly on our town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. We are truly grateful to Delegate Brian Moran for spearheading the effort to obtain special incentives."

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