I have been crewing on films in Maryland since 1976. It has been my pleasure to work with a local group of highly motivated individuals who do extraordinary things.
I have worked with cinematographers, carpenters, welders, riggers, makeup artists, electronics mavens, directors and producers who are energetically engaged in their work and communities. Their involvement with area theaters, neighborhood and youth organizations, homeless shelters, animal rescue and the arts improve our quality of life.
While it is true that film work is temporary, it provides an excellent base of well paying union work to people with energy and drive, often enabling them to build careers and businesses.
I was lucky enough to establish a rental business, incorporated in 1983, which provides lights, generators, camera dollies and rigging equipment to film and television productions. Many current and former employees are now working on productions lured to Maryland by the incentives ("Md. film production incentives vital," Dec. 9). I know them to be hardworking, creative and community-minded individuals with whom I am proud to be associated.
I believe it would damage many communities in our state if we lost the contributions of these people who would be forced to find work elsewhere due to failure to fund film incentives in Maryland.
Stewart Stack, Halethorpe
The writer is president of Serious Grip & Electric.