SAG‑AFTRA and filmmakers warn of runaway production; press Congress and state to use tax incentives and parity reforms

Summary

SAG‑AFTRA leaders and documentary filmmakers told a California legislative hearing that federal policy uncertainty and international incentives are driving production and film‑industry jobs out of the state, and urged federal and state tax credits, a federal production labor tax credit and reforms to the tax code for performers.

SACRAMENTO — Union leaders and filmmakers told a joint California legislative panel that decades of production and jobs in film and television are at risk if federal policy and tax treatment do not change, and they urged state and federal lawmakers to adopt incentives and labor‑friendly reforms.

Julie Fisher, national secretary‑treasurer of SAG‑AFTRA, told the joint committee that entire support businesses tied to production — camera crews, scoring musicians, dry cleaners, restaurants and drivers — have been hollowed out in some California neighborhoods as work moves to states and countries offering stronger incentives. “When we don't have production in California, we have to move out,” Fisher said. She and other witnesses urged legislative support for paired state and federal measures to keep production and related jobs in California.

Why it…

SAG‑AFTRA and filmmakers warn of runaway production; press Congress and state to use tax incentives and parity reforms

Summary

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