All articles tagged with #film incentives
Hollywood's looming production crisis is pushing California candidates to center on economic policy, with expanded or uncapped film and TV tax credits framed as a tool to keep jobs and production in state amid AI disruption and industry consolidation, reshaping the governor's race and LA-area contests.
California gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton proposes a sweeping film-tax-credit plan that could reach 60% for some productions, with no annual cap and eligibility expanded to post-production and above-the-line costs, plus a Governor’s Expediter role and a revamped California Film Commission to attract shoots back to the state—potentially a five-year kick-start funded by broader spending moves, and possibly supported by a federal credit; the plan targets competition from states like Georgia amid industry contraction and AI disruption, and Hilton cites Trump’s endorsement.
LA mayoral contender Nithya Raman pledges to revive Hollywood in the city by pushing for expansive film tax credits at state and federal levels and appointing a dedicated film czar, arguing that production has fallen since 2018 and that stronger incentives would preserve jobs and support small businesses; she frames it as a bulwark against red tape and cites the incumbent’s slow moving approach as a contrast, with the campaign outlining the plan in a policy paper and highlighting her ties to the industry.
Georgia is actively pursuing its goal to become the Hollywood of the Caucasus by attracting international film productions with generous incentives and diverse locations, but its ambitions are challenged by political instability and concerns over authoritarianism and regional conflicts.
Texas has increased its film incentive program to $150 million annually, aiming to attract more film and TV productions to compete with states like New Mexico and Georgia, and to promote local stories and industry growth.
States have spent over $25 billion in the past 20 years to attract film and TV productions through incentives, with 38 states currently offering some form of incentive. While supporters see these incentives as a way to create jobs and stimulate local economies, economists warn that the return on investment is minimal, with tax revenue generated often being a fraction of the amount invested. Incentives come in the form of cash rebates, grants, or transferable tax credits, which studios can sell to companies with high state-tax liabilities. Despite the high cost and minimal returns, states like Michigan are considering rejoining the race to attract Hollywood productions.