In the late 1970s, American Joe had a hand in creating the Maryland Film Commission through the legislature. At that time, Maryland as a state was nearly dead last in film production and revenue amongst the other fifty states. Joe remembers that it was 48th or 49th in the country, statistically. The Commission would generate revenue and opportunities for films to be shot in Maryland. Joe recalls that the Film Commission bill was passed by both houses, but the then-Governor vetoed the bill.
American Joe wasn’t about to go down without a fight. The legislature overrode the bill in its final hours, and it became law. After the bill was passed, Maryland shot up to 8th in the country for motion picture and TV productions, and none of it would have happened without American Joe’s influence.
Can you spot some famous Maryland landmarks or scenic locations from the Old Line state in this montage? From action sequences to wedding crashing — enjoy Maryland on screen.
