MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Marshall and Valeria Davis, Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 800/236-7529
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FILM WISCONSIN RECEIVES GOVERNOR DOYLE'S "PUTTING WISCONSIN ON THE MAP" AWARD
Tzougros, Fantle, Robbe Honored
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (March 3, 2008) - The Wisconsin Department of Tourism presented Governor Doyle's "Putting Wisconsin on the Map" award today to George Tzougros, Scott Robbe and Dave Fantle for their leadership in establishing Film Wisconsin, a public/private partnership established to promote Wisconsin's film and media industry in the global marketplace. The award is designed to honor organizations or individuals that raise the state's profile as a travel destination. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton delivered the award during the 2008 Governor's Conference on Tourism being held at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis.
The presentation came just days after Governor Doyle announced that NBC Universal would spend $20 million shooting portions of Public Enemies, a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale and directed by UW alumnus Michael Mann, in Wisconsin, thanks to the film industry tax incentives championed by Film Wisconsin. "These three impressive gentlemen made a heroic effort to re-energize the film industry in Wisconsin, and their work already produces notable results," said Lt. Governor Lawton. "Not only does Film Wisconsin generate significant economic activity with potential impact in every part of the state, films and TV programs done here are bound to raise the state's profile as a travel destination."
When the State Film Office was lost to budget cuts in 2005, filmmakers and proprietors of businesses that attach to the film and television ad and video production industry were loath to have to move to New York or California to stay afloat. Enter the Wisconsin Arts Board, and its executive director George Tzougros, determined that Wisconsin develop its creative economy. He convened filmmakers and others in the industry, which ultimately led to the formation of Film Wisconsin.
Scott Robbe, Film Wisconsin's first executive director, a Hartford native, returned to the state after 20 years of film and television work on the east and west coasts, and contributed countless hours of expertise to the development of the organization. His insider perspective informed the strategy to bring the industry into the state.
Dave Fantle, vice president of VISIT Milwaukee, brought his public relations experience to the table to help convince the legislature - largely through positive statewide media coverage - to pass film tax legislation and recognize the economic potential the film/television held for Wisconsin.
Tzougros, Robbe and Fantle's work engaged a large grassroots coalition, including people in the travel and tourism industry, to advance one of the nation's most competitive tax incentive packages for the industry. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, Chair of the Wisconsin Arts Board, and State Senator Ted Kanavas, led the bill through the legislative process; Governor Doyle signed the film tax legislation into law in 2006. As the incentives, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, took effect on Jan. 1, 2008, several movies and TV pilots announced plans to film in the state.
Previous recipients of the Governor's "Putting Wisconsin on the Map" award include Bob Harlan of the Green Bay Packers; Pleasant Rowland and Jerry Frautschi, the philanthropists behind Madison's Overture Center; and organizations like the American Birkebeiner, International Crane Foundation, Road America, and the PGA of America.
For more information about Film Wisconsin and incentives available for the film, TV and video game industry, visit www.filmwisconsin.net or call 414/287-4251. Wisconsin Tourism may be found online at www.travelwisconsin.com
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