Georgia Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03) wants to ensure that the film and television industry are able to continue creating jobs in Georgia and across the country. Wednesday he joined with Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-27) to announce the relaunch of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus (CRC). Ferguson – whose 3rd Congressional District is home to Trilith Studios and has over 50 production-related businesses in the surrounding area – will serve as a co-chair of the caucus along with Chu.
The bipartisan CRC educates members of Congress and the public about the importance of preserving and protecting the rights of the creative community in the country. Ferguson says that American creators of motion pictures, music, software, and other creative works rely on Congress to protect their copyrights, human rights, First Amendment rights, and intellectual property rights.
“Creativity plays an important role in driving economic growth,” Ferguson said. “By working together, we will take steps to improve copyright protections that allow the film and television industry to continue creating jobs in my home state of Georgia and across America.
“I’m confident that our collaboration will further the discussion and usher in a new era of the protection of creative rights that help bolster the 21st-century economy,” Ferguson added.
CRC was first launched in 2013 under the leadership of former Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) and Chu. The state of Georgia is a leading hub for the film and television industries, generating about $9.5 billion in economic impact each year.
“I am so proud to be partnering with Rep. Drew Ferguson to relaunch the Creative Rights Caucus,” said Rep. Chu. “I helped to found the CRC because I wanted more of my Congressional colleagues to understand that the creative industries aren’t just movie stars and high powered producers; these are a core part of our economy.”
According to Chu, in 2019, creative industries contributed 1.5 trillion dollars to the country’s GDP and employed over 5.7 million workers. Most are blue collar jobs such as electricians, carpenters, make up artists, and more.
“But with many creative industries forced to pause operations during the pandemic, middle class workers were suffering,” said Chu. “I’m proud that Congress stepped in and passed critical aid by fixing unemployment insurance so that the mostly gig-based entertainment workers were included in the relief and through programs like the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. The creative industries are a vital part of the economy all across the country, from California to Georgia.”
