Over the last few months, I’ve been working hard to underscore the importance of film and television tax breaks in California, as well as wherever else where production will take place.
Not only do these create jobs in a community, but in California, they have supported professions and family enterprises for decades.
Their disappearance has harmed our economy, and leaders must step up and bring them back, or we risk losing them forever.
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But I’m not tall or attractive, so if you don’t want to hear my arguments, just listen to Ben Affleck summarize it all for AP News.
Speaking while promoting his latest film, The Accountant 2, which looks fantastic, Affleck voiced concern that California has historically taken its role as the core of the film industry for granted.
Affleck noticed that California’s terrain is changing, and we cannot just assume that the state, particularly Los Angeles, will remain a vital hub in the future.
He said that many productions are relocating elsewhere, mentioning Georgia, Texas, Nevada, and even the United Kingdom as increasingly desirable filming destinations.
Affleck also mentioned that we need incentives, like those places, to keep people here. And these towns understand the tremendous economic benefits that the film industry delivers.
And, while Newsom has quadrupled the possible tax refund amounts, much more needs to be done to keep up with other regions and reclaim many of the jobs that have been lost.
And, as Affleck pointed out, the percentage granted back on a film’s budget now falls short of incentives provided in countries such as the United Kingdom.
In just one minute, Affleck was incredibly deep and compelling. We need a lot more actors to speak out about it and demand improvement, or Hollywood as we know it will fade away gradually or quickly.
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