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City Council urges state expansion of film tax credit, calls for federal credit
Summary
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to back state bills expanding access to California's film and television tax credit and urged Congress to consider a federal production credit, citing job and local-economic benefits for trades and small businesses.
The Los Angeles City Council on May 9 voted to back two state measures expanding California's film and television production tax credit and urged federal lawmakers to consider a national credit to help keep production jobs in the region.
Councilman Adrin Nazarian, who introduced the motion, said the tax credit has generated substantial economic activity since its enactment and argued the expansion will protect local blue-collar jobs. "Every dollar of that tax credit generates more than $24 of economic activity," Nazarian told colleagues during the meeting.
The council resolution asks Sacramento to approve Assembly Bill 1138 and Senate Bill 630 to widen eligibility so smaller and shorter-form productions can participate, and it backs Gov. Newsom's proposed expansion. Nazarian framed the issue as protecting not just actors and executives but carpenters, grips, electricians, caterers and neighborhood businesses that rely on production work.
Supporters said the measure also seeks a federal production tax credit, saying other countries subsidize film production and that a U.S. credit would help compete globally. Nazarian noted the tax-credit program has produced large statewide economic returns since 2009.
Council action: The council voted 10-0 to approve the resolutions backing the state bills and directing the city clerk to convey the council's support to state lawmakers and the governor.
Why it matters: The council emphasized the local economic footprint of production beyond studio salaries, including specialized local trades and small businesses. Proponents told the council that expanding access to the credit would allow more independent and short-form creators to film in California.
What the council did next: The council requested the clerk send the items forthwith to Sacramento and federal representatives.
Outcome and next steps: The city's resolution is an official expression of support; the proposed state bills must still pass the Legislature and be signed by the governor. The request for a federal credit would require action by Congress and the president.
