Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 27, 1990 TAG: 9003272251
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Wilder made the comment at a press breakfast shortly before leading an entourage of about 10 state officials to California to drum up business for Virginia's film-making industry.
In response to a reporter's question, Wilder said any decision he makes about showing up in Virginia Beach next Labor Day will not be dictated by what people think he should do. "If my presence is needed, I'll be there," he said.
Then he took reporters to task for focusing so much on what might happen when college students and other young people again invade the resort city in September for the loosely organized party known as Greekfest.
"If the media will cooperate with the rest of us now," there will be no more violence, Wilder said. He said the media should "stress the positive aspects of what's taking place."
The governor prefaced his remarks by saying he was not criticizing reporters for doing their jobs. However, he said speculation about the possibility of more trouble brings out the worst in some people.
"People want to see it," Wilder said. "It's like a fire. Most people are not arsonists themselves, but for many seeing the flames triggers something in them."
Wilder also said city officials could help matters by looking at Greekfest "as an economic success instead of a social success."
Economic success was on Wilder's mind for other reasons Monday as he prepared for a three-day economic development trip to California. The main purpose of the trip is to pitch Virginia as a good place to make movies, but the governor also plans to call on some industrial prospects.
Wilder did not plan to attend Monday night's Academy Awards, but he was scheduled to hobnob with movie stars and executives at a number of parties and dinners.
Wilder acknowledged Monday that one factor in Virginia's favor in the eyes of movie-makers is its status as a right-to-work state. However, he dodged questions about whether he specifically mentions that factor in his sales pitch to movie producers.
"The viable work force is what we stress," Wilder said. "Yes, it gets down to the right to work. It's a great cost savings."
"The overall business attitude in Virginia is as favorable to film production as it is to other industries," said Secretary of Economic Development Larry Framme.
Patricia Kluge, one of the founders of the Virginia Festival of American Film conducted each year in Charlottesville, said movie producers know they can cut costs by filming anywhere outside Hollywood.
Wilder said that while Virginia has made great inroads in the movie business, some producers still have misconceptions about the state.
"The myth persists about Virginia that it's all tree-shaded towns, quiet hamlets and people wearing wide-brimmed hats," Wilder said.
Framme said Wilder is the right person to dispel such myths.
"We have a tremendous opportunity over the next four years," he said. "We have a unique and accomplished salesman for Virginia. We plan to take advantage of the governor's talents."
by CNB