Immediate Call to Action - Future of Film in MD Under Threat - Email Your Legislator

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MBur...@towson.edu

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Mar 5, 2026, 4:32:41 PM (10 days ago) Mar 5

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Hello folks,

This is Mark Burchick, a staff member and adjunct professor from Towson University’s Electronic Media and Film Department. I have an important announcement regarding the future of film in Maryland. According to the Maryland Film Industry Coalition, an industry lobbying group focused on advocating for filmmakers in Maryland, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) is recommending the elimination of the Maryland Film Activity Tax Credit after June 30, 2026.

At this week's Department of Commerce budget hearings, DLS will present this recommendation to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.

An end to this program would essentially bring an end to major TV and Film production in Maryland, sending that work to other neighboring states. The MFIC has sent out this guidance below to make your voice heard in defense of this program:

How You Can Help

Write a Letter. Make It Personal. Send It by Friday, March 6 (TOMORROW).

Step 1. Write Your Letter. Tell the committee members who you are, what you do, and why the Maryland Film Activity Tax Credit matters to your career, your business, or your community. Personal, specific letters carry far more weight than form letters. Legislators notice the difference.

Step 2. Use This Exact Subject Line. SUBJECT: DO NOT CUT THE MARYLAND FILM ACTIVITY TAX CREDIT

Step 3. Email All Committee Members. Don't just email the chairs - email every member of both committees. The full list with email addresses is below. Volume matters.

Step 4. Forward This Email to Your Network. Share with your friends, family, colleagues. Share with every filmmaker, actor, crew member, business owner, and film student you know. The more voices legislators hear this week, the greater the impact.

I have attached my personal letter I intend to send to illustrate examples of what MFIC is looking for. I have also attached a one-page information sheet that contains details on the MD Film Production Tax Incentive program that you can use as a resource. I urge you to create your own letter with your own personal story.

Be sure to follow the MFIC on social media for more information:

@Maryland Film Industry Coalition on FB, @mdfilmcoalition

SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION COMMITTEE

Chair Guy Guzzone guy.g...@senate.maryland.gov

Vice Chair Jim Rosapepe jim.ro...@senate.maryland.gov

Cory McCray cory....@senate.maryland.gov

Craig Zucker craig....@senate.maryland.gov

Jack Bailey jack....@senate.maryland.gov

JB Jennings jb.je...@senate.state.md.us

Joanne Benson joanne...@senate.state.md.us

Johnny Ray Salling johnnyra...@senate.maryland.gov

Karen Lewis Young karen...@senate.maryland.gov