SAMPLE LETTER TO THE MAYOR OF PHOENIX

Following is a sample letter that can be used as a guideline to write to the Mayor and other elected officials. Please DO NOT COPY the letter exactly as written. Remember that your letter will be much more effective if you personalize it in your own words. This sample is only meant to give you a place to start. For additional tips on writing your letter, click here

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the production community. Budget cuts affect us ALL.

****************************

(Your street address)
Phoenix, AZ (Your zip code)
January 21, 2005 (current date)

Mayor Phil Gordon
City of Phoenix
200 W. Washington St., 11th floor
Phoenix, AZ  85003

Dear Mayor Gordon,

I'm writing to you as the member of the Arizona Production Association, Arizona’s trade organization for film, theatre and television professionals.

It has come to my attention that the budget for the Phoenix Film Office has been drastically cut once again. While smaller film communities in the state continue to have the resources to market their destinations as filming locations, the largest city in Arizona cannot. According to the Phoenix Film Office, $29 million in revenue was generated to the City as a result of film production in 2004. This not only resulted in jobs for the large crew base living in Phoenix, but also contributed to the numerous service businesses affected by film production – Equipment rental, hotels, car rentals, studios and other locations, catering, etc.

As a member of the production community in Phoenix, I am appalled by the decision to continually reduce the resources of the Film Office. Without its marketing efforts, revenue generated to the City will decline, negatively impacting the individuals and companies that make their livelihoods from film production.

Arizona is a great state for filming, and Phoenix is a prime location for motion pictures, commercials, industrial shoots and more. To compete with other filming destinations such as New Mexico and California, however, we must have the ability to let producers know what we have to offer.

As the Mayor of our great city, I ask that you consider solutions that would channel funding back to the Phoenix Film Office. Our production community needs your help and leadership.

Thank you for attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

Your Name, Your occupation
Your company name