California Senate Advances Bill to Keep Film and TV Production in the Golden State

May 25, 2018

SACRAMENTO – California Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced today that Senate Democrats have advanced legislation that will extend and enhance California’s successful Film and Television Tax Credit Program. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 6-0 to move SB 951 as introduced by Senator Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), now a joint author, joined forces to consolidate the efforts to extend the Film and Television Tax Credit program.  

“Since 2009, the Film and Television Tax Credit has been an important tool in our economic toolbox,” Atkins said, “helping us grow, retain and attract film and TV projects, creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring that California maintains its place as the country’s epicenter of entertainment and creativity.”

“California’s film and TV industries are among the state’s strongest economic and most creative forces internationally, and I’m proud many of its hard-working employees are my constituents,” said Mitchell. “These are good-paying jobs that can last a lifetime, and these projects contribute $5.9 billion in direct in-state spending, including $2.3 million wages to technical crew.”

The tax credit currently provides up to $330 million each year to stimulate film and TV production. SB 951 extends the credit through 2025 and makes numerous improvements to the program. Currently, the tax credit is set to expire in 2020.

“California is the entertainment capital of the world and the heart of the 25th Senate District with studios and craftspeople that have created the most important and well-respected film and television entertainment in history,” said Portantino. “The Legislature needs to do everything it can to keep California residents working across our Golden State in a beloved industry.”

Atkins thanked Senators Mitchell and Portantino for their leadership in providing a higher degree of certainty for our entertainment industry.

 

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