California Lawmakers Propose Film and TV Tax Incentives

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A vibrant scene of a film crew at work on location in California.

News Summary

In an effort to revitalize California’s struggling film and television industry, lawmakers have introduced two companion bills aimed at modernizing tax incentives. The proposed legislation seeks to increase the tax incentives cap significantly while expanding eligibility to diversify productions. Amid challenges such as wildfires and significant job losses in the industry, these initiatives aim to protect union jobs and restore California’s competitive edge in the entertainment sector.

California Lawmakers Push for Film and TV Tax Incentives Amid Industry Challenges

California is buzzing with excitement as lawmakers have introduced two companion bills aimed at revitalizing the film and television industry. On a recent Wednesday, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, Senator Ben Allen, and Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, all from the Democratic Party, teamed up to push forward these significant bills, titled AB 1138 and SB 630. This initiative arrives at a critical time for the entertainment sector, which has faced substantial hardship in recent years.

Aiming to Modernize and Diversify

The main goal of these bills is to diversify the types of productions that qualify for tax credits and to modernize the existing tax incentive program. As it stands, California is in tight competition with other states and countries that are luring productions away by offering more attractive incentives. The legislative move is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious proposal to increase the state’s entertainment tax incentives cap from the current $330 million to a whopping $750 million per year.

This ambitious proposal is driven by a strong intent to protect and bring back high-quality, union jobs that have been dramatically affected by recent job losses in the industry. Stakeholders involved in the tax credit program are gearing up to begin negotiations on the specifics of the proposed changes, hoping for a positive outcome that could benefit not just large film productions but also smaller businesses in the entertainment realm.

Emergency Triggered by Wildfires

Recently, wildfires in Los Angeles have added a sense of urgency to these efforts. As if the pandemic hadn’t already thrown the industry into a challenging situation, these natural disasters have further complicated the production landscape, causing more uncertainty for many workers. Reports indicate that numerous individuals in the industry haven’t worked in years, causing them to think seriously about making career moves.

The California IATSE Council has flagged a stark reality—over 17,000 full-time jobs in the industry have been lost in recent years due to fierce competition from other states. Senator Ben Allen highlights that a staggering 77% of projects that don’t receive tax credits in California often end up filming elsewhere, indicating a pressing need for reform.

Rebates on the Table

Currently, the state provides only a 20% rebate through the existing tax credit program, notably less than the 30% available in states like Georgia and New York. The new legislation is designed to increase this rebate percentage and expand the array of production types that can qualify for tax breaks. As it stands now, many categories, including animation and reality TV, are excluded from these incentives. If approved, Newsom’s proposed subsidy could offer an incredible up to $3.75 billion in tax credits over five years, starting in 2025!

California’s Competitive Edge

Even with reporting indicating that California’s filming rates are rebounding, they’re still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. The latest stats show that in 2022, there were only 23,480 shoot days logged, one of the lowest figures since early 2020. Local government officials, including the mayor of Los Angeles, insist on the importance of a thriving entertainment industry to California’s economy and cultural prestige.

The industry is under significant pressure from multiple angles: the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, labor strikes, and the continuous threat of wildfires combining to create a perfect storm affecting job security and production capabilities. However, both union leaders and local businesses have united to show strong support for the proposed changes, seeking to foster a more inclusive and robust tax incentive system.

A Bright Future Ahead?

As negotiations begin, there is a palpable sense of hope that this reform could breathe new life into California’s beloved film and television industry, ultimately keeping California as a top choice for filmmakers and crews. The journey ahead may still have its challenges, but with these legislative efforts, California is showing that it is absolutely ready to fight for its creative heart.