May 31st, 2023 by WCBC Radio
Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Meryam Bouadjemi as Senior Advisor and Chair of the Maryland Entertainment Council. As chair, Bouadjemi will lead a council of industry leaders and experts, to be appointed by Governor Moore, to advise Maryland’s Department of Commerce in expanding the state’s film, television, and entertainment sectors.
“For Maryland to win the decade, we must compete in industries where we can create unique and enduring value,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland is already home to globally-celebrated storytellers, a world-class workforce, and locations that are the envy of the country. The time is now for our state to emerge as a leader and social innovator in the industry, and Meryam is the right person to lead the charge—she brings thought leadership, artistic track record, industry credibility, and deep local ties, which will prove essential in guiding the Maryland Entertainment Council’s necessary and urgent work.”
Meryam Bouadjemi is an Academy Award-shortlisted filmmaker and social entrepreneur. She has dedicated her career to developing talent and creative economies in mid-size markets, most notably in her home state of Maryland. A sought-after industry leader, Bouadjemi has served as a senior advisor at the Sundance Episodic Lab and the Pillars Artist Fellowship, in partnership with Oscar winner Riz Ahmed, and produced Charm City, a critically acclaimed feature documentary that was shortlisted for an Academy Award. She started her career as an Impact Producer for the Emerson Collective, executing national social action campaigns.
“Maryland’s film, television and entertainment sector is unique in its capacity to expand diverse, meaningful pathways for employment, fuel small business growth, and drive infrastructure investment that spurs tourism and strengthens our creative economy,” said Meryam Bouadjemi. “The Maryland Entertainment Council will convene leaders from across industry, the legislature, labor, and creative communities to leverage our inherent assets, position Maryland as a distinct competitor, and seize on the generational opportunity of this trillion-dollar sector for our state.”
On May 8, Governor Moore signed SB 452, the Film Production Activity Income Tax Credit bill into law, expanding eligibility for the state income tax credit for certain film production activities and establishing the Maryland Entertainment Council to make recommendations regarding Maryland's film, television, and entertainment industry.
“Meryam brings to this important role a perfect combination of industry know-how, a national network, artist championship, and ecosystem-building skills,” said Maryland Institute College of Art President Samuel Hoi. Meryam has an inimitable ability to bring people together to create a stronger, more vibrant, and more equitable creative economy.”
“Maryland's cultural centers, diverse geography, and talented workforce provide our state with huge advantages to attract and grow the film, television, and entertainment industry,” said Maryland State Senator Melony Griffith. “I'm proud to work with Governor Moore's team to create the Maryland Entertainment Council.”
“These additional resources will not only increase the viability of film production in Maryland,” said Delegate Melissa Wells, a sponsor of SB 452. “it will generate generous revenue for our state."
“The motion picture and television industry is a powerful gateway for working people to build careers, support families, and contribute to the broader state economy,” said IATSE Local 487 Business Agent David O’Ferrall, representing crew throughout the mid-Atlantic. “I’m excited to work with Meryam and the council to expand workforce opportunities for Marylanders all across the state.”
Bouadjemi is a fellow at the Krieger School of Arts and Science at Johns Hopkins University, and is a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.
She is a first-generation graduate of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California, where she also serves on the advisory board alongside distinguished alumni John Wells, Stacey Sher, Bob Greenblatt, David Kramer, John August and Charlotte Koh.
