Keeping Hollywood Jobs in California
For generations, California has been the global home of film and television. From the backlots of Los Angeles to the soundstages of Burbank and beyond, our entertainment industry has fueled creativity, supported hundreds of thousands of workers and small businesses across the state.
But in recent years, more and more productions have been leaving California for other states and countries offering bigger incentives. That means fewer paychecks for California families and fewer opportunities for our world-class creative workforce.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur's and Senator Ben Allen's California Film & Television Jobs Act (AB 1138) ensures that film and TV jobs stay where they belong — in the Golden State.
What the Law Does
AB 1138 modernizes California's Film & TV Tax Credit Program to compete with other major production hubs while growing local jobs and small business opportunities.
Key improvements include:
- Increasing the base tax credit from 20–25% to 35–40% — helping California compete with states like New York and Georgia.
- Expanding eligibility to include animation, reboots, and large-scale competition shows.
- Provides enhanced incentives to expand employment opportunities in the film and television industry.
- Creating more opportunities for independent filmmakers, raising their share of the program from 8% to 10%.
- Eliminating outdated barriers for productions using certified sound stages. Adding transparency and workforce reporting to ensure fairness and equitable access to film and television jobs.
Paired with Governor Newsom's increase in state funding, from $330 million to $750 million per year, AB 1138 keeps productions in California, boosts small businesses, and sustains our leadership as the creative capital of the world.
Why It Matters
- The program has already generated $26 billion in economic activity and 197,000 jobs statewide.
- Every dollar invested in the film tax credit produces an estimated $24.40 in economic output for California's economy.
- Without action, California risks losing more than $1.5 billion in annual production spending and thousands of union jobs to other states.
By expanding and modernizing the program, AB 1138 keeps those jobs, wages, and creative opportunities right here, supporting everyone from camera operators and electricians to caterers and costume designers.
California: The Creative Capital
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur is proud to champion policies that protect jobs, empower working families, and celebrate the spirit of California innovation. The Film & Television Jobs Act is an investment in our people, our culture and our state's future.