A Major Win for California Film & TV Jobs

---

EUC Statement – July 3, 2025: 

The Entertainment Union Coalition celebrates the passage of AB 1138 – which will modernize and strengthen California’s Film and Television Jobs Program. This bill, alongside the expanded program funding which was signed into law by the Governor yesterday in Burbank, represents the two critical elements our members and the Entertainment Union Coalition have been advocating for since January. 

To truly revitalize our industry throughout the state and retain and create the greatest number of jobs, both the expansion and modernization of this program needed to take effect together in July. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our members and our allies, that goal has now been achieved.

Key program changes include:

• Increasing the Base Credit Rate to 35% for all participants, including independent productions.
• Expanding the types of projects that can apply to include half-hour series, animation and large-scale competition series.
• Raising the per-production cap to $120 million.
• Enhancing incentives for filming outside the Los Angeles area, with credits up to 45% for certain expenditures.
• Tripling funding for Independent films from $26 million to $75 million and raising the per production cap.
• Broadening access to career pathways by allowing more non-profit organizations throughout the state to partner with the program, opening doors to a broader range of Californians.

We would not be here today without the steadfast leadership of Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen. From day one, they recognized both the importance and urgency of this effort and were instrumental in ensuring the program remained focused on jobs. We also thank the bill’s co-authors who joined in advocating for a program that retains and expands union jobs, supports small businesses and keeps the entertainment industry thriving in California. 

We are deeply grateful for the support of Governor Newsom and members of the Legislature, who recognized and took action to protect the economic and cultural value of California’s entertainment workforce. Their commitment to fighting for these middle-class jobs that provide fair wages, health care and retirement with dignity deserves recognition. 

The power of our Entertainment Union Coalition and the solidarity and stories of our members are what made this possible. Through coordinated action and persistent advocacy, including the Keep California Rolling campaign, we fought for a program that was about jobs, families and businesses. Now, we can look forward to our members getting back to work where they live, and we call on the studios to recommit to making that happen.

EUC Statement – June 27, 2025: 

The Entertainment Union Coalition applauds today’s announcement that the increased funding to our California Film and Television Tax Incentive Program is now official. Since Governor Newsom announced his intention to prioritize our program’s expansion late last year, our members’ activism has been the core driving force in our fight to retain and bring back good industry jobs to our state.

After numerous trips to Sacramento and over 250,000 letters to elected officials, our governor and state legislature followed through on their commitment to our members, their families, and the many small businesses that our industry supports. More than doubling the program’s allotted cap to $750 million annually underscores just how vital our industry is to the economic health of our state, and the power of our members’ voices.   

Despite a difficult budget year, continued fire recovery efforts, threats of federal funding cuts to our state, and the current disruption to our communities, the courageous leadership by Governor Newsom to expand this jobs program speaks volumes. We also owe thanks to Pro Tempore McGuire, Speaker Rivas and Budget Chairs Gabriel and Wiener for their commitment to our program and understanding the urgency of action.

The expanded funding of our program is an important reminder of the strength and resiliency of our members, the power of our broad-based union and guild coalition, and the role our industry plays in supporting our state’s economy. It’s now time to get people back to work and bring production home to California. We call on the studios to recommit to the communities and workers across the state that built this industry and built their companies.

Our final step is to get the programmatic changes in AB 1138, championed by our authors Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen, across the finish line next week to ensure the full value of the additional funding to secure the greatest number of jobs for our members and economic return for California. When our industry thrives, California thrives.

 The California film and television industry is facing an existential threat. While the state has long been a global entertainment hub, recent years have seen productions moving to other states and countries with more competitive incentives. Challenges such as corporate contraction and natural disasters have further impacted workers. Without decisive action, California risks losing thousands of middle-class jobs and billions in economic benefits.

 Film and television production supports thousands of middle-class jobs and provides critical income for local businesses. A robust incentive program ensures that industry workers, from camera operators to set designers, can continue working in their home state. The loss of productions to other regions has resulted in significant declines in employment and revenue, highlighting the urgent need for legislative intervention.

Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed expanding the Film & Television Jobs Program from $330 million to $750 million annually to keep California competitive. This increase will help retain existing jobs, create jobs through pathway programs, attract new productions, and support businesses that rely on the entertainment industry. Without this expansion, California risks falling behind in the global production landscape.

 Unlike corporate tax breaks, the Film & Television Jobs Program is a direct investment in California’s workforce. Productions that receive the incentive must first hire local workers and spend within the state. This ensures that every dollar allocated leads to job creation, economic growth, and reinvestment in California’s creative industries.

Film and television production fuels California’s tourism industry, drawing visitors to iconic locations featured on screen. The industry’s economic impact extends beyond the set, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and countless small businesses. Keeping productions in-state means sustaining this vital revenue stream for communities across California.

 California’s recent wildfires have further devastated the entertainment industry, displacing workers and damaging infrastructure. Despite these challenges, industry professionals have rallied together, offering support and resources for those affected. Expanding the Film & Television Jobs Program will provide a pathway to recovery for both the industry and the broader California economy.