Supervisor introduces two-year extension and $2 million boost to San Francisco film rebate program

Supervisor Farrell introduced legislation to extend San Francisco's film and television production rebate program for two years through June 30, 2014, and to add $2,000,000 to the program's available fund.

Farrell said the rebate program, created in February 2006, has directly employed about 1,135 San Francisco residents since its inception. He said film productions spent an estimated $56,000,000 on labor, lodging, supplies and other local expenditures during fiscal year 2010-11. Farrell said a study by the budget and legislative analyst showed the program generates net revenue for the city's general fund through sales, hotel and payroll taxes and permit fees, though he described the net margin as small.

"It creates jobs, many of them which are great union wage jobs here in San Francisco. It diversifies our economic base," Supervisor Farrell said, adding that the city faces competition from other jurisdictions with aggressive rebate programs. Farrell noted prior action by the board to broaden eligibility to documentaries and unscripted programming and to lower permit fees for lower-budget productions. He said the introduced legislation is intended to be cost-effective and that conversations with the industry about further enhancements are ongoing.

The legislation was introduced for future consideration; no final board vote on adoption was taken at this meeting.

Ending: Farrell said his office will continue discussion with industry stakeholders and invited further amendments in the future to strengthen the program while remaining fiscally responsible.