Swift to fight runaways

Aims to clue-in lawmakers to lost revenue

By DAVE MCNARY

The 16-month-old Film and Television Action Committee has named production designer Brent Swift to a one-year term as chairman, succeeding Jack De Govia.

Swift had been treasurer of the organization, which was formed among employees of the California entertainment industry to combat runaway production. Also elected were Earl Brendlinger, vice chairman; Joyce Erickson, treasurer; and Nicole Runkle, secretary.

Sue Bielenberg, John Blue, Kurt McCortney, Steve Merrick and Tony Thorpe were named to the FTAC board.

The officers said FTAC's efforts through rallies and organizing had influenced the recent decision by Gov. Gray Davis to allocate $45 million of services and permits over the next three years to productions that remain in California.

"FTAC has an aggressive agenda planned for the coming year to keep making local, state and national lawmakers aware of the billions of dollars being lost to California and the country by runaway production," Swift said. He noted that the organization is working with the Library of Congress in creating an updated report on runaway production.