Important Updates on the Film Tax Incentive

Important Updates on the Film Tax Incentive

As you are aware, the governor’s proposal on the Film Tax Incentive, H.3978, would dangerously scale back the program. This proposal would make Massachusetts uncompetitive for major film and television production, cripple our growing industry, hurt thousands of small businesses, and eliminate these good-paying jobs in Massachusetts. Among several changes, H.3978 would impose a cap on the tax incentive each production can receive and reduce the employment tax credit to 20%.

If H.3978 were in place during the past 5 years, most of the major film and television productions in Massachusetts would have gone elsewhere; including films such as Joy, American Hustle, The Judge, Ghostbusters, and the recently released The Finest Hours to name just a few. The six television pilots shot in the state in the last five years would not have been made here. Furthermore, H.3978 would destroy the opportunity for future pilots or episodic television production in Massachusetts.

We have been very busy to combat this proposal, continue our education campaign to inform and build support in the legislature, and organize for coming events to prevent H.3978 from gaining traction.

Write Your Legislators
Over 2,000 email messages have been sent to state legislators so far asking them to oppose H.3978. If you have not already, please write today! Ask your colleagues and industry supporters to write in as well: https://www.votervoice.net/MPC/campaigns/44324/respond.

Revenue Committee Hearing
H. 3978 has now been directed to the Joint Committee on Revenue. A hearing date is not confirmed yet, but we anticipate it will be scheduled in March. For the hearing we will organize a presence at the State House for industry members to show support, panels to testify, and generate a new Voter Voice campaign to make sure our industry's voice heard.

House & Senate Budgets
With broad support for our industry, H.3978 has little possibility of being reported out of the Revenue Committee favorably, and the bill or any proposed changes will have little support in the House or in its budget. However, we do expect there to be attempted amendments against the incentive during the Senate budget process in May and June. There will be a mounting campaign to further educate Senators in the coming months as they deliberate their proposed budget.

State House "FILM JOBS" Day
We are planning another industry day at the state house for May to rally and visit legislators. This will be specifically timed through the Senate budget process. Similar to last year, this is the event where we need the greatest turnout and support. We will keep you updated when details are available and this has been set.

Over the next few months, we will distribute post cards at work sites and events to be filled out opposing H. 3978, which we will send to your state Senators and Representatives.

As this campaign continues to develop, your union will keep you abreast of all future developments and action steps.

SAG-AFTRA is a union that has among its members a diverse group of performers, broadcasters and newscasters. The passage of this resolution/statement should not be interpreted as a personal statement of opinion by or of any specific member of the union.