Statement from Jean Prewitt, President and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, regarding Congress’ action today in extending the term of Internal Revenue Code 181, a provision originally adopted as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 to maintain the competitiveness of the United States for production of independent film and television programming:

“IFTA is delighted with Congress’s action in extending the term of IRC 181 in today’s vote. Its targeted provisions have proven to be of real assistance in keeping independent production and jobs here in the United States. Passage of this extension is a major victory for independents, as it is the culmination of a long year’s work for IFTA, the DGA and the industry coalition that has supported this important legislation.”

The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television programming industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents and provides significant entertainment industry services to more than 160 member companies from 22 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies, studio-affiliated companies, and financial institutions engaged in content finance. Collectively, the Independent Film & Television Alliance’s members produce more than 400 independent films and countless hours of television programming each year and generate more than $4 billion in distribution revenues annually. The organization’s premiere event, the American Film Market, held in conjunction with AFI Fest, will take place this year from November 5 to 12 in Santa Monica. As the voice and advocate for the independent film and television industry worldwide, the Alliance speaks out on matters of critical importance and, where appropriate, actively lobbies governments around the world in regard to measures directly affecting the independent industry. For more information on IFTA and the American Film Market, please visit www.ifta-online.org.