(Miami, FL)- City Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez has joined members of the Florida Film Production Coalition in urging the Florida Legislature to support the film industry with tax incentives.

“I have seen the positive impact of arts and culture in Little Havana. I have seen the City-wide economic impact that the film industry has on the City of Miami,” said Chairman Sanchez. “I urge members of the Florida Legislature to approve at least $10 million in incentives for the film industry in the Sunshine State.”

The statewide Florida Film Production Coalition is seeking transferable tax credits to support an industry that provides high wage jobs, is non-polluting, contributes nearly $500 million in annual tax revenue and can contribute immediately to Florida’s economic recovery and growth.

“We depend on the creative industries to employ highly-skilled professionals, who in turn spend their dollars in Miami,” said Chairman Sanchez, noting that the same is true for all of Florida.

Chairman Sanchez met with members of the Florida Film Production Coalition who explained that this state is losing business to Louisiana, New Mexico and even Michigan, where huge incentives are being given by the state to the film industry to attract high paying jobs.

Chairman Sanchez also pledged to work with the entertainment industry to see how the City of Miami can better facilitate the creation of studio space, film distribution firms and all related activities.

“In this deep recession, we must invest in film production. I honestly believe that every dollar invested will come back tenfold in job creation, creative industry retention and raising the profile of Florida as a place where we fully support the growth and expansion of the entertainment industry.”