Two newly proposed bills, California AB1138 and SB630, would revitalize productions throughout the state.
Our industry is responsible for sustaining hundreds of local businesses — restaurants, retail stores, drivers and hotel workers, not to mention the thousands of small businesses and individuals that make their livelihood directly from film and television production. We have a long history here, and it’s imperative that we keep Hollywood in California.
Jodi Long
SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles & L.A. Local President
SAG-AFTRA hosted state and local elected officials at a Feb. 26, 2025, announcement at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, emceed by the union’s secretary-treasurer, Joely Fisher, in support of two state bills — AB1138 and SB630 — to update the state’s Film Tax Credit Program and to retain and grow entertainment industry jobs.
Present were the bills’ co-sponsors, California Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur and state Senator Ben Allen — both of whom serve as members of the California Film Commission — and co-author, Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan. Also in attendance were Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and leadership from the SAG-AFTRA, WGA West, DGA, IATSE, LiUNA! and Teamsters unions, as well as various local businesses and creative professionals. Representing the union were Vice President, Los Angeles & Los Angeles Local President Jodi Long, along with National Board member Jason George and Fisher, who are co-chairs of the SAG-AFTRA National Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee.
AB1138 and SB630 aim to expand California’s Film Tax Credit Program, which was first passed in 2009, and make it more competitive in comparison to other states and international markets, thus reinforcing the state as the global hub of creativity and protecting industry jobs.
At the press conference, SAG-AFTRA member leaders shared personal stories related to the bills’ importance to working- and middle-class industry professionals.
“As a performer from a multi-generational showbiz family, and a native Angelino, I see how essential it is for those in my profession to work and make dignified livelihoods. There was a time when our beautiful state sustained generations of not only working actors, but broadcasters, journalists, radio personalities and a wide variety of entertainment professionals. These creatives, these storytellers and professionals, deserve better than scraping by to survive,” said Fisher. “My fellow industry folks deserve what all California workers deserve: to thrive, because when we do, our economy does too.”
“Los Angeles is a mining town … and the thing we mine is a renewable resource: imagination,” said George, comparing the state’s entertainment industry to an ecosystem. “When you think of California, of Los Angeles, you think of Hollywood. It’s the No. 1 draw for people to come here. If we lose it — because we think we can’t lose it — then that ecosystem breaks down and it won’t grow back. We’ve got to keep this industry going.”
Lawmakers spoke about the importance of their bills and of supporting one of California’s most important industries.
“These bills are not about red carpets or premieres. They’re about the writers, actors, accountants, production assistants, grips, camera operators, designers and crews, and carpenters and laborers who are unemployed and underemployed,” said Chavez Zbur. “It’s about jump-starting this industry to grow again so that we can provide good jobs to those who want to work in this industry.”
Added Allen, “California needs to pull out of its complacency to reignite our critical entertainment industry. While we have the best entertainment workforce and best locations to film in the world, our policies have failed to keep up with rising competition that has pulled production out of state for years now. SB630 and AB1138 will help reboot the state’s creative workforce and all of those businesses that work in and around the industry.”
The entertainment industry accounts for nearly 200,000 direct jobs in California and results in billions of dollars in economic activity for local businesses. If AB1138 and SB630 are passed, the expansion is estimated to offer $3.75 billion in tax credits over the next five years.
Throughout the press conference, legislators reiterated Gov. Gavin Newsom’s staunch support for the bills, their positive impact on the state’s economy, particularly for small local businesses, and the necessity of these bills passing to revitalize productions throughout the state.
“The film industry is a vital economic engine for all of California,” added Bryan. “Our investments in production and storytelling uplift communities and drive opportunity. The economic benefits our state receives is multiplied by every dollar we invest. We have to protect creativity and we have to protect the livable wage jobs that are required to bring that creativity to life.”
A replay of the press conference is available on the California Assembly Democrats YouTube channel.
Photo: SAG-AFTRA member leaders and California entertainment labor union leaders and small business owners assemble at SAG-AFTRA Plaza in Los Angeles to announce the introduction of AB1138 and SB630 on Feb. 26, 2025. Photo courtesy of California State Assembly.