Christopher Dodd.

• Position: FOR THE RECORD - Interview

"Films have changed people's lives, motivated people in ways that nothing else has."

Former Senator Christopher Dodd's resume is hard to match. He represented Connecticut for 36 years--six years in the House of Representatives and 30 years in the U.S. Senate. He was chairman of the Democratic Party and candidate for president. After choosing not to seek reelection in 2010, Dodd became chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, which advocates for the U.S. motion picture, home video and television industries around the world.

State Legislatures: What interested you in the Motion Picture Association of America?

Senator Christopher Dodd: It's a remarkable industry. There is no other country that produces film or television products like the United States. Obviously it's a source of tremendous economic opportunity. More than 2 million people get up every morning in this country and go to a job dependent on film and television--about 800,000 are jobs directly in the industry. You'd be hard-pressed to name another American industry that has a 7-1 ratio of exports to imports. It's an industry that works in all 50 states and contributes to the multiple cultural activities and artistic endeavors this country is involved in. We attract a larger audience than any other form of paid entertainment in the world including all sports, concerts and everything else. The American movie draws one hell of a crowd.

But aside from all of that, what motivated me to join the association is the educational, motivational value of this industry. Not every product, but an awful lot, has changed people's lives, motivated people in ways that nothing else has. The obvious films are "To Kill A Mockingbird" (race relations), "Gentleman's Agreement" (anti-Semitism), "Philadelphia" (HIV-AIDS). You could cite a tremendous number that have had an impact beyond an economic, cultural, artistic contribution. I was excited about being a part of that.

Only a few years ago the only way you could see a film was at a theater. There's been a huge amount of change over the last 25 or 30 years and particularly in the last few years. It's a very exciting time to be in this business, trying to make sure we provide fast Internet for everyone and don't squander the importance of intellectual property and copyright rules.

SL: What do states gain by offering financial incentives to TV and film producers?

Dodd: Jobs. That's pretty clear. The best evidence is the facts. Tax...