California Film Tax Incentive – A Member’s Perspective

"The California Film and Television Retention and Promotion Act (Assembly Bill 1839) has been signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown. This is a good thing.

"AB1839 increases funding for California’s film program from $100 million to $330 million. It also replaces a lottery system that determines which productions receive incentives. The new system allots incentives according to the number of jobs a project would create. Plus, it would allow for more projects to qualify, including new network television series.

"The increased monies and the changes will improve California’s ability to compete with other states, regions and countries in bringing film and television productions into the area.

"Currently, many companies come to the Bay Area, film short exterior scenes to establish location, say, the Golden Gate Bridge or Lombard Street, and then travel to a different state or country for long, extended filming — places like Canada, or Atlanta that have better incentives. Many middle-class film jobs are lost, and in addition, huge amounts of money are lost to the community. This is not a good thing for our local.

"Fifty-four major films were shot in 2012 and 2013; only one was shot exclusively in California.

"The California Film and Television Alliance, the hardworking SAG-AFTRA San Francisco staff, and the many committed volunteers who used sweat and elbow grease to make this thing happen deserve lots of credit. The San Francisco Fairmont Hotel rally, featuring actor Danny Glover, who flew in from Canada to speak, drew an estimated 600 people. And that was a good thing.

"Another biggie was Mobilization Day, which took place on Aug. 20. Two buses of Bay Area supporters — a fun-filled caravan of laughter and good conversation, featuring raffle games with great prizes — traveled to the State Capitol in Sacramento to meet up with SAG-AFTRA members from L.A., politicians, film commissioners, stunt people, makeup artists and other supporters. Actors Carl Weathers of Rocky, Ron Perlman of Sons of Anarchy and the crew of Pretty Little Liars were among the many who rallied the more than 500 supporters gathered on the Capitol lawn.

"The day was sunny and beautiful, indicative of the victory to come: the signing of AB 1839 by Gov. Jerry Brown."

Broadcast Notes

"KTVU-TV has announced that the station will be transferred to Fox Broadcasting from their current owners, Cox Media Group. This transition is expected to be completed in November of this year. We met with Cox at the end of August to discuss the effects of the sale and will be enforcing obligations that Cox has assumed under the collective bargaining agreement. SAG-AFTRA represents both on-air staff and writers at this station.

"Negotiations continue at the KSEE and KGPE Nexstar-owned duopoly in Fresno. After several efficient bargaining sessions, the company made disappointingly little movement in our last session, which focused on wages. Bargaining will resume September 23 to hopefully conclude this first contract with a new employer. SAG-AFTRA represents on-air talent, directors and producers at these stations.
 
"KOIT/KBLX (FM) - After a long and hard-fought battle that included KOIT members taking a campaign to social media, we are happy to announce that KOIT and KBLX have new contracts that have been approved and will go to print shortly. Kudos to everyone for their hard work and thanks to everyone who signed the petition in support of these members!

"KPIX-TV - Contract negotiations continue at KPIX (CBS) where part-timer concerns, the new KBCW newscast and multimedia journalist issues have been discussed. Movement has been made on both sides, but MMJ matters remain at the forefront of these negotiations. 

"KCBS Editors - Negotiations will begin shortly for the KCBS editors. The unit is currently in the process of defining bargaining goals as we get close to our first session with the company.

"KRON-TV - Negotiations on a successor agreement for the announcers/directors and writers contract continue after LIN Media announced that it will merge with current owner Media General. Economics is the largest issue still to be resolved, and federal mediation is scheduled for September 30. Additionally, the company announced plans to move out of its facilities into leased space in the KGO-TV building on Front Street in November 2014.

"KGO-TV - Among ABC’s proposals, the company is seeking to “cultivate and grow” the use of stringers, and to partner with other entities to provide original reports to the station and vice versa. We are studying these proposals and analyzing their potential impact on our members, now and in the future. Additionally, the issues of wages, H&R contributions and other provisions with economic impact are still open.  

"KISQ-FM - Negotiations began on August 12 with this Clear Channel music radio station as we seek a successor agreement as expeditiously as possible. Management indicated that the narrower the focus of the negotiations, the faster we might make progress.
Based on the company’s candor, we have presented a modest list of wage and other improvements.

"Safety for broadcasters continues to be a major concern, especially in light of three more recent robberies and attacks on news crews in the field. We are glad to report that at least one station has responded with increased security for reporting teams and we are urging other companies to do the same. Our local is following up with the Oakland Police Department on several initiatives to address security issues in that city, and we are reaching out to the San Francisco Mayor’s Office and the S.F. Police Department to discuss similar initiatives.

"Safety4Media - SAG-AFTRA’s News & Broadcast department has launched a new website and social media campaign focusing on the safety of its broadcast members around the globe. Started in June, Safety4Media is one part educational campaign and one part take-action campaign, and features important tips, tools and a way for broadcast members to confidentially report safety incidents. Click here for more information."

This item was originally featured in the October 2014 local newsletter.