Fighting for Connecticut’s Film Industry: My Testimony Against SB 1246 & Joining the CT Film & TV Alliance

Connecticut’s independent film industry is already facing an uphill battle, and now, the state wants to make it even harder. Recently, I was invited to testify before the Connecticut State Legislature against SB 1246, a bill that seeks to cut film tax incentives by 5%. For many, this might seem like a minor reduction, but for filmmakers, this could be the difference between keeping productions in the state or watching them move elsewhere—most likely to New York, which offers more competitive incentives.

Why This Matters

As someone who has been funding my own projects and working to establish my production company, I know firsthand how difficult it is to make independent filmmaking sustainable. Connecticut’s tax incentive program was one of the few advantages we had. Now, the state is considering scaling it back, despite the positive economic impact that film production brings to local businesses, job creation, and tourism.

The reality is that we are already competing with New York, which offers:✅ A 30% refundable credit✅ An additional 10% for productions upstate✅ Stronger support for productions at all levels

Meanwhile, Connecticut’s program is tiered and non-refundable, making it harder for independent filmmakers to actually benefit from it. The math is simple—why should productions stay here when they could go right next door and get better incentives?

My Testimony & The Real Fight

At the hearing, I made it clear: this isn’t just about a 5% cut—it’s about Connecticut’s commitment to growing its film industry or letting it fall behind. Beyond my testimony, I also spoke with members of the press to raise awareness about how these decisions directly impact filmmakers like me.

To document the fight against SB 1246, I also filmed and released a vlog capturing the full experience—from interviews outside the Capitol to reactions before and after the hearing. If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to check it out and see firsthand why this fight matters.

Joining the CT Film & TV Alliance

While testifying against SB 1246, I also made a bigger move—I officially joined the CT Film & TV Alliance. This organization is dedicated to advocating for filmmakers, fighting for better incentives, and ensuring that Connecticut remains a viable place for film and television production.

Beyond that, Thomas Blackmore Productions now seeks to affiliate with the CT Film & TV Alliance, ensuring that we actively contribute to strengthening Connecticut’s independent film scene. This is about more than just networking—it’s about actively shaping the future of the industry we all rely on.

What’s Next?

The fight against SB 1246 isn’t over. My goal is to:🔥 Continue raising awareness through media coverage and social platforms🔥 Work with the CT Film & TV Alliance to ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves🔥 Keep pushing for stronger incentives and resources for Connecticut filmmakers

If you’re a filmmaker, a creative, or someone who simply cares about Connecticut’s future in film, now is the time to take action. Reach out to legislators, spread the word, and support local productions. Because if Connecticut keeps making it harder for filmmakers, there may not be a local industry left to fight for.

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s keep pushing back.