The most important thing that we have to announce today is not to do with a show of ours. (though there will be some show announcements coming real soon.) What it has to do with is a proposed ordinance by the New York City Film board that would prevent filmmakers from shooting in the city unless the shoots are covered by at least a million dollars in insurance. Needless to say, this is more than most independent filmmakers and film students can afford, and would more or less cripple the efforts of all those funny people and sketch groups and comedians whose videos you like to watch on the internet.
The period during which this ordinance is open for public comment ends on August 3rd, which means that now would be a great time to write a passionate, articulate, and polite letter to Julianne Cho at the New York City Film Board. If we all add our two cents to this dialogue, we can overwhelmingly let the city now how important this issue is, and what the city could lose if this proposal becomes law. Think about how many of your favorite movies take place in NYC, and you'll realize how important this is. Julianne Cho's e-mail address is jcho@film.nyc.org
For a summary of this issue in rap video form, check out Olde English's great take on the controversy.