The film and TV tax credit is a lifeline for working-class Californians – San Bernardino Sun

I recently visited the production set of the television show, Fallout Season 2, which is filmed at Disney Ranch, Melody Ranch, and LA North Studios in my district. My husband and I loved watching Season 1, and knowing that the production is happening locally, providing jobs and economic development to our region, made it even more exciting. I was truly amazed by the intricate detail and exceptional craftsmanship of the Fallout set created at LA North Studios—it was a stunning display of artistry.

I was shocked to learn that the set was moved from New York to California, because they finally had a reason to. Fallout originally filmed in New York—even for scenes set in LA—because it was too expensive to shoot here.

A $25 million California film tax credit changed that. Now, the production employs over 700 people and generates millions in economic activity in my region alone.

When people think of California’s TV and film industry, they often picture glamorous movie stars or high-powered studio executives. But behind the scenes, it’s the everyday Californians—camera operators, set builders, costume designers, and countless others—who keep the industry running and thriving. These skilled workers, throughout California, rely on the film and TV industry for their livelihoods — to pay their mortgages and support their families.  

Unfortunately, these jobs are in jeopardy. In recent years, we have seen an increasing amount of production leave the state for other states and countries that are enticing the industry with attractive incentives.  Programs in New York, Georgia and the UK have been particularly effective in drawing work out of California. 

When production leaves California, it means an exodus of good paying jobs and lost revenue for small businesses that support production. We must take action to protect this industry that is the economic engine supporting hundreds of thousands of California families.

That is why I’m co-authoring SB 630 to modernize California’s Film and TV tax credit. This will reinforce California’s status as the global leader in creativity and innovation and keep good jobs here in California.

One of the promises I made coming into office was that I’d look at each issue and make a call based on what I believe is right and what is best for my constituents and all Californians.  To that end, two of the areas I’m laser focused on are addressing the affordability crisis and expanding opportunities for hard working Californians. 

The Film and TV Tax Credit supports the reliability of hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs in California and expands opportunity for the thousands of local businesses who rely on the industry for a customer base for their small, medium and large sized businesses.  Businesses like caterers, craftsmen, rental companies, hotels, and more benefit when production provides a reliable customer base.

The jobs and businesses on the line impact people throughout California, and far outside the glitz of Hollywood. Take my district for example, which encompasses Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and parts of the Victor Valley in northern Los Angeles County. Our area is a significant hub for filming and production work.  Known as “Hollywood North,” Santa Clarita hosts major facilities like Santa Clarita Studios and Melody Ranch. In 2023, Santa Clarita issued 588 film permits for 1,441 film days, generating an estimated $37.2 million in economic impact.