Voices of Virginia: The Fight For a Diverse Film Future
The Issue
February 4, 2024
Dear Esteemed Leaders of Virginia: Governor, Senators, City Officials, and Mayors,
The Voices Left Unheard
The current state of film and TV tax incentives in Virginia casts a shadow over a vibrant community of storytellers, particularly impacting independent, Black, and POC creators who are forced to leave their home state in pursuit of more supportive landscapes. These creators, many of whom depart with dreams nurtured by prestigious M.F.A. programs, find themselves at a crossroads. The promise of returning home to launch production companies and share stories deeply rooted in Virginia's rich tapestry remains unfulfilled, as neighboring states offer more enticing incentives. This exodus not only drains Virginia of its creative potential but also deprives our narratives of their most essential character: our home itself.
The Future on the Horizon
The stakes could not be higher. If Virginia chooses to enhance its film and TV tax incentives, we stand on the brink of a cultural renaissance, one that could see the return of our brightest talents to forge a thriving, diverse film and television industry right here in our backyard. This change promises economic revitalization, job creation, and the celebration of Virginia's diverse cultures on a global stage. Conversely, maintaining the status quo risks a continued talent drain, stifling the growth of our creative industries and losing the stories that define us to other states better equipped to tell them.
The Moment for Action
Now is the time for decisive action. The landscape of film and television is evolving rapidly, with streaming services and digital platforms democratizing content creation like never before. Virginia has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in this new era, but only if we act swiftly to reform our incentive structures. This is our moment to support the dreams of independent creators and ensure that Black and POC filmmakers can tell their stories from the places they call home.
Our Call to CHANGE
We urge Virginia's leaders to consider the following essential enhancements to our film and TV tax incentives:
• Increase Funding & Expand Eligibility: Significantly raise the cap on incentives and broaden the criteria to include more diverse and independent projects.
• Targeted Support for Diversity: Implement specific incentives for projects led by Black and POC creators, ensuring a wide array of voices and stories get the spotlight they deserve.
• Invest in Infrastructure & Education: Develop sound stages, training facilities, and educational programs to support a sustainable film and TV industry ecosystem.
• Promote Local Talent: Encourage productions to employ Virginia-based crew and talent, further invigorating the local economy.
By enacting these changes, Virginia can become a haven for film and TV production, attracting talent nurtured both within and beyond its borders. The time to act is now, to ensure a future where every voice can tell its story from the heart of Virginia.
With a commitment to change and creativity,
JaQuan Malik Jones
B.A. Drama and Theatre, Norfolk State University, 2020
M.F.A., Brown University, 2023
Founder/Director, Billiards VMSOA Production Company
Actor, Writer, Director, Creator
Email: jjaquan37@gmail.com / jaquan_jones@brown.edu
Jonathan B. Cooper
B.A. Drama and Theatre, 2019
Norfolk State University
Alumnus, Norfolk Governor's School for the Arts
Co-Founder/Co-Director, Billiards VMSOA Production Company
Worship Leader, Singer, Producer
Email: billiards.vmsoa@gmail.com
Website: [https://www.billiardsvmsoa.com/contact](https://www.billiardsvmsoa.com/contact)
Nile Price
B.A. Mass Communication, 2020
Norfolk State University
M.F.A. New York University Tisch School of the Arts, 2024
Filmmaker, Writer
Trezure B. Coles
B.A. Drama and Theatre, 2021
Norfolk State University
M.F.A. Florida State University Asolo Conservatory, 2024
Actor, Singer, Dancer
Lauren Evanne Wheeler
B.A. in Drama and Theatre, Norfolk State University, 2021
M.F.A. Candidate, Oklahoma City University, Expected to Graduate 2024
M.A. in Screen Acting, Goldsmiths University of London, 2024
Actor, Writer, Director
Solomon Langley (he/him/his)
M.F.A. Theatre: Acting Candidate
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, 2024
Nia Safarr Banks
B.F.A. Theatrical Design, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2019
M.F.A. Theatrical Design, Boston University, 2023
Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Costume Designer, Theatre Designer, Professor
Nathaniel J. Whitaker
B.A. in Africana Studies, Morehouse College, 2024
Founder of Pop Junious Productions
Producer, Director, Writer, Actor
Black Studies Historian & Curator
180
The Issue
February 4, 2024
Dear Esteemed Leaders of Virginia: Governor, Senators, City Officials, and Mayors,
The Voices Left Unheard
The current state of film and TV tax incentives in Virginia casts a shadow over a vibrant community of storytellers, particularly impacting independent, Black, and POC creators who are forced to leave their home state in pursuit of more supportive landscapes. These creators, many of whom depart with dreams nurtured by prestigious M.F.A. programs, find themselves at a crossroads. The promise of returning home to launch production companies and share stories deeply rooted in Virginia's rich tapestry remains unfulfilled, as neighboring states offer more enticing incentives. This exodus not only drains Virginia of its creative potential but also deprives our narratives of their most essential character: our home itself.
The Future on the Horizon
The stakes could not be higher. If Virginia chooses to enhance its film and TV tax incentives, we stand on the brink of a cultural renaissance, one that could see the return of our brightest talents to forge a thriving, diverse film and television industry right here in our backyard. This change promises economic revitalization, job creation, and the celebration of Virginia's diverse cultures on a global stage. Conversely, maintaining the status quo risks a continued talent drain, stifling the growth of our creative industries and losing the stories that define us to other states better equipped to tell them.
The Moment for Action
Now is the time for decisive action. The landscape of film and television is evolving rapidly, with streaming services and digital platforms democratizing content creation like never before. Virginia has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in this new era, but only if we act swiftly to reform our incentive structures. This is our moment to support the dreams of independent creators and ensure that Black and POC filmmakers can tell their stories from the places they call home.
Our Call to CHANGE
We urge Virginia's leaders to consider the following essential enhancements to our film and TV tax incentives:
• Increase Funding & Expand Eligibility: Significantly raise the cap on incentives and broaden the criteria to include more diverse and independent projects.
• Targeted Support for Diversity: Implement specific incentives for projects led by Black and POC creators, ensuring a wide array of voices and stories get the spotlight they deserve.
• Invest in Infrastructure & Education: Develop sound stages, training facilities, and educational programs to support a sustainable film and TV industry ecosystem.
• Promote Local Talent: Encourage productions to employ Virginia-based crew and talent, further invigorating the local economy.
By enacting these changes, Virginia can become a haven for film and TV production, attracting talent nurtured both within and beyond its borders. The time to act is now, to ensure a future where every voice can tell its story from the heart of Virginia.
With a commitment to change and creativity,
JaQuan Malik Jones
B.A. Drama and Theatre, Norfolk State University, 2020
M.F.A., Brown University, 2023
Founder/Director, Billiards VMSOA Production Company
Actor, Writer, Director, Creator
Email: jjaquan37@gmail.com / jaquan_jones@brown.edu
Jonathan B. Cooper
B.A. Drama and Theatre, 2019
Norfolk State University
Alumnus, Norfolk Governor's School for the Arts
Co-Founder/Co-Director, Billiards VMSOA Production Company
Worship Leader, Singer, Producer
Email: billiards.vmsoa@gmail.com
Website: [https://www.billiardsvmsoa.com/contact](https://www.billiardsvmsoa.com/contact)
Nile Price
B.A. Mass Communication, 2020
Norfolk State University
M.F.A. New York University Tisch School of the Arts, 2024
Filmmaker, Writer
Trezure B. Coles
B.A. Drama and Theatre, 2021
Norfolk State University
M.F.A. Florida State University Asolo Conservatory, 2024
Actor, Singer, Dancer
Lauren Evanne Wheeler
B.A. in Drama and Theatre, Norfolk State University, 2021
M.F.A. Candidate, Oklahoma City University, Expected to Graduate 2024
M.A. in Screen Acting, Goldsmiths University of London, 2024
Actor, Writer, Director
Solomon Langley (he/him/his)
M.F.A. Theatre: Acting Candidate
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, 2024
Nia Safarr Banks
B.F.A. Theatrical Design, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2019
M.F.A. Theatrical Design, Boston University, 2023
Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Costume Designer, Theatre Designer, Professor
Nathaniel J. Whitaker
B.A. in Africana Studies, Morehouse College, 2024
Founder of Pop Junious Productions
Producer, Director, Writer, Actor
Black Studies Historian & Curator
Supporter Voices
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Petition created on February 5, 2024