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Help sought for CNMI film industry
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Posted on Mar 16 2006
A lawmaker is asking his colleagues to hear out a local film group seeking government support in promoting the film and TV industry in the Commonwealth.
Rep. Stanley T. Torres wrote Speaker Oscar M. Babauta calling for a joint legislative meeting to allow GEFH Entertainment to make a presentation on the film and TV industry, and how the Commonwealth could be part of it.
“The purpose of this comprehensive presentation is to allow GEFH to explain the overwhelming global presence of film and TV production, and the necessary training to fill the demand of this growing industry,” Torres said. “The CNMI greatly needs business opportunities, and GEFH has already proven itself here in the CNMI with several successful programs.”
GEFH Entertainment is headed by president Les Wolf, vice president Greg Curda, and secretary/treasurer Butch Wolf.
The lawmaker noted that a 2002 legislation—Public Law 13-29—had already created a Northern Marianas Film Office. But this office has yet to be established physically and the government had done nothing to promote the film industry in the Northern Marianas.
“It is now time to utilize the CNMI Film and TV Office, incorporate the newly passed NMC Apprenticeship Bill, appropriate P.L. 10.66 funding for the advancement of this industry, and encourage the numerous production companies to work and live in the CNMI,” Torres said.
Public Law 5-32, as amended by P.L. 10-66, states that all available funds from the nonresident worker fees must be remitted to NMC after the distributions specified in the law are made. NMC’s business, nursing, education, and technical trades vocational educational programs are funded under P.L. 5-32/10-66.
