Take Action!
CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES: SPREAD THE WORD
Make the Call!
FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES: FUND ARKANSAS’S FILM REBATE
Arkansas has the potential to be a thriving destination for filmmakers, but without funding for our 25% base cash rebate program, we are losing productions to neighboring states like Oklahoma (38% rebates, $30M annual cap). We need immediate action to fund the rebate program to keep Arkansas competitive, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.
Advocacy Guide! 
WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
USE THIS SCRIPT TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:
Sample Call Script
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a filmmaker and resident of [Your City], Arkansas. I’m calling to urge you to support funding for Arkansas’s film incentive program. We are seeking:
We are asking for your support in the following areas:
Establishing a Well-Staffed Film Commission
We need a fully funded state film office with at least four full-time employees. A strong, well-resourced team is essential for attracting and supporting productions, promoting Arkansas, and managing incentive programs efficiently.Creating a Transparent and User-Friendly Website
A centralized, transparent film commission website should connect filmmakers to local crew, vendors, and regional resources. This improves access, builds trust, and encourages more local hiring.Ensuring Accountability with Independent Audits
We propose requiring an independent third-party audit of production budgets before final incentive payments are approved. This ensures transparency, protects taxpayer dollars, and brings Arkansas in line with best practices in other states.Implementing a Competitive Incentive Cap
We recommend setting a $30 million annual cap on the state’s film incentive program. This is a competitive, sustainable number that allows for meaningful production investment while remaining fiscally responsible.Lowering the Barrier to Entry
Lower the minimum qualifying spend to $50,000. This opens the door for smaller productions—like documentaries, short films, and local creatives—to benefit from the incentive and grow the industry from the ground up.Boosting In-State Hiring with a Smart Incentive Structure
Offer a 25% base incentive rate, with a 10% bonus uplift for hiring Arkansas-based crew with a total potential incentive of 35%. This not only attracts outside productions but also directly supports our local workforce and economy.
Together, these changes can make Arkansas a true hub for film production—bringing in jobs, tourism, and long-term economic development. We hope we can count on your support to help make this vision a reality.
Thank you for your time.
FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL:
After calling, send an email to reinforce your message.
Subject: Support Funding for Arkansas’s Film Rebate
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing to express my support for funding Arkansas’s 25% film rebate program. This incentive is crucial for attracting film productions that create jobs, economic growth, and long-term industry investment in Arkansas.
Key reasons to support funding:
Film incentives generate significant local spending and tax revenue.
A funded rebate creates stable, high-paying jobs for Arkansas residents.
Neighboring states like Oklahoma are outcompeting Arkansas with fully funded programs.
I urge you to support this initiative and ask Governor Sanders to issue emergency funding to keep Arkansas’s film industry alive. Thank you for your time and support!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, Arkansas]
QUICK FACTS CHEET SHEET:
Current Issue: Arkansas’s film rebate is unfunded, making it difficult to attract productions and is hurting the growing local crew base.
Economic ROI: Film incentives generate significant local spending and tax revenue, benefiting small businesses, tourism, and local vendors.
Job Creation: A funded rebate creates stable, high-paying jobs for Arkansas residents, keeping our workforce from leaving the state.
Competition: Oklahoma offers 38% rebates with a $30M annual cap, giving them a huge advantage over Arkansas.
OTHER WAYS TO TAKE ACTION:
Share this page with friends and colleagues in the film industry.
Follow us on social media for updates on legislative efforts.
Attend local meetings and events to show your support in person.
Your voice matters. Take action today to help Arkansas’s film industry thrive!
