On Thursday, September 18th, in an event that included Governor Brown, state and local politicians, and members of the Hollywood Backlot Locals, AB-1839 was signed into law.
Click here to watch the myFOXla.com coverage of the event.
It is our extreme pleasure to announce that Governor Brown and leaders of the California Legislature have struck a deal to approve AB 1839, the California Film and Television tax credit bill.
The agreement increases the tax credit to $330 million per year for five years. More than tripling our current program and adding an additional year. The bill also includes some very important changes that will have a tremendous impact on production and job creation in California. The $75 Million budget cap has been removed which will promote big-budget film production in California. The new inclusion of Network Television will revive in-state production of one-hour dramatic programs. These two clauses alone will show rapid results for our membership by providing employment options that we have not enjoyed for many years.
This has been a long and hard fought battle. Every step along the way has been worthwhile as we finally can rejoice in victory. We want to thank all of you who have helped throughout this tremendous endeavor. Our combined strength and our united voices have brought us to this triumphant day.
Congratulations to us all!
Best,
Ed Brown
Business Agent
IATSE Local 44
Anthony Pawluc
Secretary-Treasurer
IATSE Local 44
The California State Senate Appropriations Committee has unanimously approved AB1839 by a 5-0 vote. The amended bill will increase the California State tax credit to $400 million per year. The current tax incentives program is $100 million per year. The increase places California more competitively with incentives offered by other states including New York, Louisiana, Georgia, and more.
Next, the amended bill goes to the full Senate floor next week. Then back to the Assembly for concurrence. Before finally being presented to the Governor for signature.
Update June 25
In the wake of Monday's record 497 applications for the current CA film and TV tax credit program, 117 more than last year, the CA Senate's Governance and Finance Committee has voted 6-0 in favor of the Film and Television Job Creation and Retention Act (formerly AB 1839) that expands the current program.
The act now moves to the Senate's Appropriation Committee.
Click here to read the full coverage article by Dominic Patten on Deadline.com
We are very pleased to announce that after unanimous endorsement by three Assembly Committees, the California State Assembly approved the California Film Incentive bill, AB 1839, by a unanimous vote of 62-0.!
We want to thank everyone who helped in this effort and remind you all that we are not done. While we collectively celebrate this victory, we must also make our preparations for the next leg of the race. Now, AB 1839 is on its way to the State Senate and after that, to the Governor’s Office. This process will not be a cakewalk. There are Senators who still oppose such legislation. We will need to increase our efforts.
Remember, our goal is to get California’s incentive programs competitive with those offered by other states and bring our jobs back to California.
Again, thank you all!
Ed Brown - Anthony Pawluc
IATSE Local 44
