Nila Kartika Wati
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), the formidable trade organization representing the interests of the world’s leading film and television studios, has officially announced the appointment of Kelsey Moore as its new Vice President of State Government Affairs for the Southeast region. This strategic hire underscores the MPA’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a favorable legislative landscape in one of the most critical hubs for global film and television production.
Moore, a seasoned veteran of public policy and industry advocacy, assumes her new post with an extensive resume rooted in the heart of Georgia’s entertainment sector. Her appointment, which became effective this past Monday, places her at the forefront of the MPA’s efforts to navigate the complex regulatory environments of the American Southeast, a region that has evolved into a powerhouse for the creative economy.
The Mandate: Advocacy in a Changing Landscape
In her new capacity, Kelsey Moore will serve as the primary liaison between the MPA and state-level government entities across the Southeast. Her responsibilities are expansive, encompassing direct lobbying and strategic advocacy before state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and executive branch officials.
Central to her mandate is the defense and promotion of state-level production incentives. As competition between jurisdictions for "footloose" productions—projects that can be filmed in any number of locations—intensifies, the MPA’s role in ensuring that tax credit programs remain stable and attractive is paramount. Moore will report directly to Kathy Bañuelos, the MPA’s Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs, who has been instrumental in shaping the association’s national legislative strategy.
"Kelsey has been an incredible advocate for the entire motion picture industry," Bañuelos said in an official statement regarding the hire. "I am confident that she will bring that same level of expertise, passion, and strategic impact to the entire Southeast region as we continue to champion policies that foster growth and innovation."
Professional Chronology: A Proven Track Record
Moore’s transition to the MPA is a natural progression of a career built on navigating the intersection of commerce and public policy. Her professional journey highlights a deep-seated expertise in the mechanics of economic development.
The Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition (GSEC)
Prior to joining the MPA, Moore served as the Executive Director of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition. During her tenure, she became a pivotal figure in the defense of Georgia’s robust film tax incentive program. Under her guidance, the GSEC not only successfully lobbied for the preservation of these incentives but also elevated the public and political discourse surrounding their economic efficacy.
Moore’s work at the GSEC was characterized by a data-driven approach. She oversaw the production of rigorous economic impact reports that quantified the industry’s contribution to the state’s GDP, job creation, and tax revenue. By transforming abstract legislative policy into tangible economic benefits, she helped solidify Georgia’s reputation as the "Hollywood of the South."
Early Career and Institutional Foundations
Moore’s foundational experience in the Georgia business ecosystem is extensive. Her prior leadership roles at the Georgia Travel Association and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce provided her with a unique perspective on how the film industry interlocks with broader economic drivers such as tourism and business recruitment. This interdisciplinary background is expected to serve her well as she advocates for the MPA’s interests across diverse state legislatures where film production is often viewed through the lens of overall economic health.
Supporting Data: Why the Southeast Matters
The decision to appoint a dedicated Vice President for the Southeast region is a direct reflection of the region’s current dominance in the global entertainment market. The Southeast, led by Georgia, has fundamentally altered the geography of film production.
The Georgia Phenomenon
Georgia’s rise as a production hub is not accidental; it is the result of long-term legislative stability. According to industry reports, Georgia has consistently ranked among the top global locations for film and television production, rivaling legacy hubs like California and New York. The economic impact is profound:
- Direct Spending: Billions of dollars in direct production spending annually.
- Job Creation: Thousands of high-paying, middle-class jobs supported by the production infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Growth: The rapid expansion of purpose-built soundstages and post-production facilities, creating a permanent creative ecosystem.
The Broader Regional Context
Beyond Georgia, the Southeast—including states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee—is engaged in a sophisticated "incentive war." Each state offers unique tax structures designed to lure major studio productions. The MPA’s presence in this region is essential for ensuring that these incentives remain competitive, predictable, and transparent. Moore’s role will be to ensure that the legislative frameworks in these states are not only maintained but optimized to meet the evolving needs of the MPA’s member studios (Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery).
Implications for the Future of Film Policy
The appointment of Kelsey Moore signifies a pivot toward a more localized, specialized approach to government affairs. By basing her in Atlanta, the MPA is ensuring that its leadership is physically and strategically embedded in the region’s most active production ecosystem.
Anticipated Legislative Challenges
The landscape of state-level policy is becoming increasingly volatile. Lawmakers are under growing pressure to evaluate the "return on investment" of tax incentives, leading to periodic debates over whether these credits represent the best use of public funds. Moore’s expertise in economic impact reporting will be the MPA’s strongest defense in these debates. She will likely focus on:
- Transparency and Accountability: Assisting state governments in creating reporting mechanisms that prove the value of tax incentives.
- Long-Term Certainty: Advocating for "sunset" extensions and legislative stability to give studios the confidence to commit to multi-year projects in the region.
- Workforce Development: Aligning industry needs with state-funded training programs to ensure a robust local talent pool.
Strategic Alignment with MPA’s National Goals
The MPA’s national strategy focuses on the protection of intellectual property, the promotion of digital trade, and the fostering of a global climate that supports the creative economy. By strengthening its Southeast footprint, the MPA is effectively building a "firewall" of support at the state level that reinforces its national initiatives. As state governments increasingly take the lead on issues that affect the tech and creative sectors, having a seasoned advocate like Moore in the field is a calculated move to ensure that Hollywood’s voice remains heard in the statehouses of the South.
Conclusion
Kelsey Moore’s appointment is more than just a personnel change; it is a signal of the MPA’s long-term investment in the Southern United States. By leveraging her deep regional knowledge and her proven track record in economic advocacy, the MPA is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of modern state politics with precision. As the film and television industry continues to evolve in a post-pandemic, streaming-heavy world, the stability provided by state-level legislative champions will be the cornerstone upon which the next decade of entertainment production is built.
With Moore leading the charge from Atlanta, the MPA is well-prepared to advocate for a legislative future that supports sustainable growth, job creation, and the continued vibrancy of the American creative sector.
Dwi Wanna
Basiran
