Press Releases

WEST POINT, GA – U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) today announced the relaunch of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus (CRC), with Ferguson and Chu serving as Co-Chairs. The bipartisan CRC educates Members of Congress and the public about the importance of preserving and protecting the rights of the creative community in the United States. American creators of motion pictures, music, software, and other creative works rely on Congress to protect their copyrights, human rights, First Amendment rights, and intellectual property rights.

“Creativity plays an important role in driving economic growth, and I’m proud to join Representative Chu in relaunching the Creative Rights Caucus as we work to foster opportunities for all Americans,” Rep. Ferguson said. “By working together, we will take steps to improve copyright protections that allow the film and television industry to continue creating jobs in my home state of Georgia and across America. I’m confident that our collaboration will further the discussion and usher in a new era of the protection of creative rights that help bolster the 21st-century economy.”

“I am so proud to be partnering with Rep. Drew Ferguson to relaunch the Creative Rights Caucus,” said Rep. Chu. “I helped to found the CRC because I wanted more of my Congressional colleagues to understand that the creative industries aren’t just movie stars and high powered producers; these are a core part of our economy. In fact, in 2019, creative industries contributed 1.5 trillion dollars to our GDP and employed over 5.7 million workers. Most are blue collar jobs such as electricians, carpenters, make up artists, and more. But with many creative industries forced to pause operations during the pandemic, middle class workers were suffering. I’m proud that Congress stepped in and passed critical aid by fixing unemployment insurance so that the mostly gig-based entertainment workers were included in the relief and through programs like the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. The creative industries are a vital part of the economy all across the country, from California to Georgia. That is why I am so happy to have a co-chair like Rep. Ferguson who knows and understands the individuals who are most hurt by things like piracy. I look forward to collaborating together to protect the rights of creators and help showcase their important work to our colleagues in Congress.”

Background

CRC was first launched in 2013 under the leadership of former Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) and Chu. The state of Georgia is a leading hub for the film and television industries, generating about $9.5 billion in economic impact each year.

Trilith Studios, formerly known as Pinewood Studios, is located in the Third District and has over 50 production-related businesses in the surrounding area.