California’s Film and TV Industry in Crisis: Ben Affleck Speaks Out
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck has expressed concerns about the decline of California’s film and television industry. In an interview with the Associated Press at the red carpet premiere of The Accountant 2 in Los Angeles, Affleck stated that the state’s production crisis is a result of its lack of competitiveness in terms of tax incentives and exchange rates.
According to Affleck, California’s film and TV industry has been taken for granted, leading to a flight of productions to other jurisdictions that offer more favourable conditions. "I think part of the problem with California is they came to take this industry for granted a little bit," he said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter source, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ben-affleck-california-film-tv-industry-1236195384/. "Other jurisdictions offer more favourable exchange rates and tax rebates, which is why you see a lot of big, huge movies shoot in the U.K."
The actor pointed out that California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a major increase to the state’s cap on its tax incentives program for the film and television industry. However, Affleck believes that this is not enough to stem the tide of film and TV sets fleeing California and the US in general for savings. "The percentage you get back in terms of actual budget doesn’t compete with places like England, which is why you see a lot of these big, huge movies shoot in the U.K.," he said.
Affleck also highlighted the attractive incentives offered by states like Georgia, New Mexico, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, which have drawn projects out of state as studios and streamers chased cost savings in the post-Peak TV landscape. Georgia and New Mexico, for instance, have no annual cap on their incentives programs. This trend has significant implications for California’s film and TV industry, which has long been a hub for production.
Furthermore, Affleck raised concerns about the potential loss of crew talent, which is a critical component of the film and TV industry. "It’s really the technicians and the crew that make or break your movie," he said. "You need the best people, you need good people. I, as a director, know that to be true. And so if people move away, you know, that really hurts the industry." This brain drain could have long-term consequences for California’s film and TV industry, making it even more challenging for productions to find skilled and experienced crew members.
Despite these challenges, Affleck’s own production company has invested in local production. The Accountant 2, directed by Gavin O’Connor, shot at least partially in Los Angeles and Santa Clarita. Affleck is also currently filming his upcoming Netflix project Animals in the city. These projects demonstrate that some productions are still committed to filming in California, but the overall trend suggests that the state’s film and TV industry is facing significant headwinds.
The decline of on-location shoot days and levels of soundstage occupancy in Los Angeles has had ramifications for local businesses and crew communities. In response, a movement called "Stay in L.A." has emerged to encourage productions to remain in the city. Additionally, there is a legislative effort in Sacramento to expand California’s current tax incentives program. As the state’s film and TV industry continues to struggle, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to stem the tide of productions fleeing the state.
According to sources, including The Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ben-affleck-california-film-tv-industry-1236195384/), the situation is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, who are concerned about the long-term implications for California’s film and TV industry. As Ben Affleck noted, "The film and TV industry is a critical part of California’s economy, and it’s essential that we find ways to support it."
Ben Affleck’s sentiments were sourced from an interview with Associated Press which was reported on https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ben-affleck-california-film-tv-industry-1236195384/.
