BIRMINGHAM,Ala.

The Birmingham City Council voted to move toward funding $30,000 to the proposed regional film office but the issue was not without controversy. Deferred for several weeks, it was Item 54 on today's agenda which was a recommendation that $30,000 be disbursed to the Metropolitan Development Board to assist with the funding of the establishment of a planning team for the re-establishment of a local film board. Questions had been raised as to whether the Birmingham Film Commission was still in existence and why the city needed to be spending the taxpayers money on this item.

On hand was David Ricker of the Birmingham Film Commission to give a presentation. Among the points he discussed was that the Birmingham Film Commission was still on the books. He brought up the issue as to why the City wants to work with Jefferson County and not consult with the Film Commission and the research they've already done. Mr. Ricker also brought up that the only non-profit 501-C-3 organized film commission in the country (same non-profit set up as the proposed Jefferson County regional film office) wouldn't be done again by the people involved. The Birmingham Film Commission had expanded it's appointees to included representation from the county, had started discussions with the surrounding municipalities, starting compiling databases and had made contacts with production companies locally and from out of state.

Everything that is "going to be done" by the County non-profit film group has been done already by the Birmingham Film Commission.

Councilman Montgomery asked if the $30,000 is coming out of the previously approved $63,000 for the film commission. There was some discussion and Councilman Montgomery wanted to send this issue back to committee. 

Councilwoman Abbot said that Mrs. Hopkins from Legal was involved with this issue and Mr. Ted VonCannon from the Metropolitan Development Board. Mr. VonCannon answered some questions as to the procedure the Metropolitan Development Board would follow. He said that Councilman Miller was act in a coordinating role in the County Film Office, his intentions was to act as a convener,  to work closely and involve disruption, would come back to make a recommendation as to the Economic Benefit and no money would be spent until they're finished. Mr. VonCannon was asked if there was a State Film Commission and his reply was he wasn't sure, it was either not active or ineffective. 

Councilman Hendricks said that the Birmingham Film Commission was not just for Birmingham, it was region wide, Birmingham happen to be largest city. He pointed out that Mrs. Hopkins from Legal would represent the City in in the Council's upcoming trip to South Carolina to look at it's film commission.

Councilwoman Reynolds express concerned about the taxpayers money being used.

Councilwoman Smitherman's comments included that the Film Commission should have been under the Economic Development Committee instead of Parks and Recreation, she apologized to Mr. Ricker and commended him for the yeoman job he did on the Film Commission it is a stellar board, stands behind them and would hope to call on them in the future.

Item 54 was voted on and passed with one 'no' vote.

Copyright 2004 by Paul Godbey, all rights reserved