Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Federal Film Incentive to Counter Global Subsidies
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced legislation on September 24, 2026, to establish a 20% federal tax credit for film and television production. The bill, titled the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, aims to reverse the exodus of production jobs to countries with more generous subsidies. The credit applies to labor costs and can increase to 30% with bonuses for rural areas or disaster zones. It is designed to stack with existing state incentives, potentially making U.S. locations the most competitive globally. The proposal follows a two-year effort by industry unions and the Motion Picture Association, gaining momentum after President Trump endorsed the measure in August 2026. Proponents argue it will create 143,500 jobs and double the industry’s value by 2032, while critics question the cost and necessity of federal subsidies for Hollywood.
