Motion Picture Association Appoints Kelsey Moore to Lead Southeast Advocacy

A Strategic Shift for Regional Film Advocacy

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has announced a significant addition to its leadership team, appointing Kelsey Moore as the new Vice President of State Government Affairs for the Southeast region. This strategic hire underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in key filming hubs, where state-level policy decisions carry immense weight for the global entertainment industry.

In her new capacity, Moore will serve as the primary liaison between the MPA and various legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and executive branch officials throughout the Southeast. Her role is central to the association’s broader mission of championing policies that foster a healthy, competitive ecosystem for film and television production. As the industry continues to navigate a complex landscape of shifting tax codes and regional competition, Moore’s expertise is expected to be a vital asset.

Focusing on Production Incentives

One of the primary pillars of Moore’s mandate will be the advocacy for and protection of production incentives. Over the past decade, the Southeast has emerged as a powerhouse for global film production, with states like Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina frequently topping the lists of major filming destinations. These incentives are often the deciding factor for studios when choosing where to allocate multi-million dollar production budgets.

Moore’s work will involve:

• Engaging with state lawmakers to demonstrate the economic impact of film tax credits.
• Collaborating with local stakeholders to ensure regulatory frameworks remain conducive to large-scale projects.
• Representing the interests of major studios before executive branch officials who oversee economic development.
• Monitoring legislative sessions to preemptively address policy changes that could impact the stability of the production environment.

By securing these incentives, the MPA aims to ensure that the Southeast remains a viable, long-term home for major studio productions, which in turn supports thousands of local jobs and small businesses within the creative economy.

Strengthening the MPA’s Reach

Moore will report directly to Kathy Bañuelos, the Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs. Bañuelos, who oversees the MPA’s national strategy, noted that the Southeast remains a critical theater for the organization’s operations. The appointment of Moore signals a refined focus on localized advocacy, ensuring that the MPA is not just a national entity, but a proactive participant in regional state capitals.

This move comes at a time when the entertainment industry is facing unprecedented pressure from global competition. Other regions and countries are aggressively courting major productions with their own incentive packages, making the work of state-level advocates more essential than ever. Moore’s background in government relations positions her well to navigate the nuances of these state legislatures, where bipartisan support for film production is often essential to maintaining long-term legislative stability.

The Future of the Southeast Creative Economy

As streaming platforms and traditional studios continue to compete for content dominance, the demand for high-quality production space and skilled labor in the Southeast is at an all-time high. The MPA’s decision to bolster its regional team is a clear indicator that the association views this area as a permanent pillar of the American entertainment industry.

With Moore at the helm of Southeast government affairs, industry insiders anticipate a more streamlined communication channel between the creative sector and the state houses that oversee them. For local crews, vendors, and regional film commissions, this appointment represents a renewed commitment to the stability and growth of the Southeast as a premier global destination for film and television excellence. As Moore steps into this role, all eyes will be on how her advocacy shapes the next generation of legislative policy in the region.