Fade Out, California? The Make or Break Moment to Keep Film and TV Shoots From Fleeing the State
The numbers for on-location shoot days in L.A. have never been more depressing, but the state's boosters say help — in the form of those $750 million in tax incentives — is just kicking in, give it time.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
Gavin Newsom scored a major win when he increased California tax credits from $350 million to $750 million, and now the state is sinking up to $335 million in 52 films. This increase is aimed at boosting filming days in LA, which had hit an all-time low as producers flocked to other states, such as Ohio, where credits are up to 30% and with far fewer hurdles than in California.
However, after looking at the films getting the biggest cuts, I have to ask the question: are these films really in desperate need of a state bailout? Jumanji's producers apparently wouldn't produce in the state unless their cut was increased from 20 to 35 percent. Heat 2 is also getting a huge chunk of the credits. However, these are the same established studios that most would argue have the least need, and yet, make bigger demands.
Meanwhile, Indies are struggling with the most basic of funding. If California is so desperate to boost the industry, then the state probably shouldn't be giving all the money to producers who feel like they are doing Californians a favor by filming in the state. Is it time taxpayers started voting on who gets these huge cuts, because I'm pretty sure, $335 would produce a lot more and even better original films than what these entitled producers have to offer. Let's be honest, are Cafornians desperate enough to sink $50 million plus in Jumanji? Really?
