The year is already off to a great start...business is hungry for creative development, the economy is stronger than last year, large films are starting up in Arizona -- all ultimately impacting us individually and as businesses - increasing the level of talent and opportunities for growth. Here are a few highlights of what’s happening:

Duncan Harvey is applying the finishing touches for the Feb 11th Workshop "Leveraging New Media Distribution Technologies" with Phil Hodgetts and Ed Vogt at the Hilton Double Tree Resort in Scottsdale. With explosive growth in Podcasting growing to nearly 5 million users per year, and news/talk shows like NPR, Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly reaching millions of downloads, you won't want to miss this segment of our industry and hear where it's headed. Tickets go on sale January 23rd at www.mcai-az.org and are available only for the first 45 who register.

Welcome to Stephanie Smith as our new Membership Administrator who is working like crazy to get members exposure on the website, as well as tracking renewals. I applaud Stephanie for her organization and tenaciousness, allowing us to communicate even better with each of you. Thanks also to Heidi Capriotti for putting notices out to the community through the press and her work on the website...both of these women are growing our membership.

Stevan Pope is developing a Shadow/Mentor program for the sharpest students at Universities and Technical Schools in the Valley, opening the doors from our businesses to mentor future production professionals. Expect to hear more from Stevan about how to take advantage of this partnership at the January meeting.

Nathan Greene continues to update www.mcai- az.org , adding industry resources in conjunction with the Production Hub (which will be live within the next few weeks). In 2005, the MCA-I website received over 65,000 page views from over 5,000 unique visitors - that's a lot of people viewing the site looking for professionals! Some of our top referrers are www.azcommerce.com, www.phoenixfilmproject.com and www.ladylou.com (MCA-I AZ member Lou Hunt's website). Congratulations to Stevan Pope, Steve Shepple and Nathan Greene on positioning our website - good work. It's only getting better -- more unique visitors mean more business for our members. Consider adding a link from your own website!

Speaking of perks, check out the new “Member Benefit Spotlight” in our newsletter. Each month this section will feature one of the many benefits that are available to MCA-I members.

NAB is only 14 weeks away, April 24th- 27th, immediately followed by MCA-I ProTrackTM scheduled for April 27th- 28th. I anticipate a great showing from the Arizona group for two days of networking, seminars and imagination re-ignition, crowned Friday night by the Golden Reel Awards, and the Leadership segment on Saturday. Register today at http://www.mca- i.org/conferences/MCA- I_ProTrack_2006/index.shtml (member section).

Thanks for being part of what's happening in production!
- David Haneke, President, MCA-I AZ

For those of you that don't get the Arizona Republic, you can view online it's latest articles about Arizona's new tax incentive & upcoming film projects, including an interview with Arizona's Director of Film Office, Harry Tate.

"Lights, Camera, Arizona!"

"Tax credits should boost film cash flow ... New tax incentives for Arizona's flagging film industry went into effect Jan. 1, and supporters believe they will draw millions of dollars in new business to the state."
- Judy Nichols, The Arizona Republic
January 17, 2006

"Director at Film Office Ready to Reel and Roll"

"Tate is bracing for an upswing. The Legislature passed a bill that will offer moviemakers competitive incentives beginning next year, news Tate says has put Arizona back on Hollywood's radar screen. Tate spoke about film in Arizona."
- Stephanie Paterik,The Arizona Republic
Dec. 12, 2005

Use colored cable ties to wrap & identify your cables and write the length on the tie. Red ties for xlr cables, green ties for bnc cables, etc. That way when you ask your intern, your new hire, or your mom to bring you a 25’ xlr, they’ll come back with the correct item.

The Phoenix Film Project, in association with the Arizona Film and Media Coalition is issuing this Call for Submissions to generate interest in Filming in Arizona, to educate the film community and public (in and out of state) about filming in Arizona and to create a comprehensive look at the varied locations within the state. This challenge is open to anyone, including independent filmmakers, film and video professionals, photographers, and students.

Participants may submit a: 30-second film about Arizona in any of the 7 categories (sections of the state). Participants may submit as many :30-second films in as many categories as they like. The selection committee will choose the best film in each category and assemble them together for a comprehensive film about Arizona.
(Click here to view catagories)

Deadline: February 28, 2006

Submission Fee: $30 for single submission, with discounts for additional submissions. Benefits PFP and AFMC, both non-profits.

Your film could be selected as the best in Arizona!
Prizes: The (7) winning films will be made into one compilation DVD that would be available at PFP, AFMC and any film office that requests copies of them. DVDs would be made available to filmmakers requesting them about bringing in a production to the state. Winning films would also stream on PFP and AFMC websites. In addition to this exposure and publicity, plaques and other prizes will be awarded.

MCAI Chapter 44 and area colleges have teamed up to link top video production students with working professionals in an ongoing 1-day volunteer job shadow program. When you need a PA or a grip, or just have a job that an advanced student could learn from, check our website and call the student directly.

The students gain professional working experience, and members get a chance to meet new talent. Student contact info and a volunteer waiver form will be posted on www.mcai-az.org soon.

Recharge your batteries at MCA-I Pro Track 2006 with exciting career-enriching courses, invaluable networking and inspiring entertainment.

MCA-I Pro TrackTM 2006 has been expanded from four tracks to five with a new full-day session focusing on improving your Electronic Field Production techniques.

For details of your MCA-I member benefits,
log into the Members section at
http://www.mca- i.org .

Media Communications Association–International offers these affordable healthcare and prescription programs to members:

Pinnacle Choice Health Savings Card

A comprehensive national healthcare program offering members convenient access to medical, prescription drug, chiropractic, complementary alternative medicine, dental, vision, nurse advisory service and hearing care at substantial savings. The Medical program includes a network of more than 345,000 doctors, hospitals and facilities.

HealthFlex Medical Insurance and Discount Plans from NDHS:

• HealthFlex Limited Medical Plan
• HealthFlex Rx
• HealthFlex Dental