Additional Coverage:
- Ben Affleck says California needs to do more to keep Hollywood in Hollywood (businessinsider.com)
Ben Affleck Calls Out California for Taking Film Industry for Granted
Hollywood A-lister Ben Affleck recently spoke out about California’s need to step up its game in retaining film and television productions. At the premiere of “The Accountant 2,” Affleck expressed concern that California’s tax incentives aren’t competitive enough, leading productions to seek locations with better deals.
He pointed to countries like England and states like Georgia and New Mexico, which offer more attractive tax rebates and have no annual cap on incentives. Affleck acknowledged the controversial nature of such programs but highlighted their effectiveness in drawing productions away from California.
He stressed the importance of skilled crews and technicians, noting that their exodus from California hurts the industry. The actor-director emphasized that competitive incentives are crucial for attracting and retaining these essential professionals.
FilmLA data reveals a significant decline in on-location shooting days in Los Angeles, exacerbated by factors like the recent wildfires. While California has increased funding for its film and television tax credit program, Affleck believes it still lags behind other locations.
He pointed out that the percentage of budget recouped through California’s program isn’t as appealing as what’s offered elsewhere. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other industry figures, including Mel Gibson, who has also spoken about the exodus of productions from California.
Read More About This Story:
- Ben Affleck says California needs to do more to keep Hollywood in Hollywood (businessinsider.com)