In its largest award California granted film tax incentives to 46 indie films and 5 non-indie films. This is a sea change for the state and coincides with an industry shift often mentioned as underway.
"Collectively, these productions are estimated to spend $346.9 million in wages and generate approximately $577.8 million in qualified expenditures statewide. These projects are also expected to hire 6,490 cast and crew members, with 37,000 background performers hired, measured in days worked."
Great news for independent cinema and indie filmmakers!
https://film.ca.gov/marking-the-largest-round-in-state-history-51-films-...
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That is great news for independent cinema and indie filmmakers, Jack Binder! We've been getting incredible indie films over the years, and we're going to get even more with this Tax Credit Program. And it'll help keep projects in California/bring projects to CA as well as help people, families, and businesses recover from the wildfires.
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Maurice Vaughan Absolutely, it's good to see California recognize the impact of indie film and to support filmmakers vs. only providing incentives to the major blockbusters! Great news indeed!
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I'm always happy to change a location...
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Welcome to the Sea Change taking place right now. LET´S GOOOOO!!
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This is huge, Jack Binder! Thank you for sharing! It’s incredibly encouraging to see California make such a strong investment in independent cinema, especially at a time when so many indie creators are fighting for funding and visibility. If you’re an indie filmmaker looking to take advantage of opportunities like this, now’s the time to start thinking strategically about your production plan, state incentives, and partnerships.
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Jack Binder thanks for posting this, Jack. Do we know anything about the budget range of the 46 indie films?
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Geoff Hall Thank you. I haven't seen that published as of yet. Will keep an eye out and post back here.
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Jack Binder thank you, Jack.
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Great start, but still so much more work to do, Jack Binder. The upcoming vote to expand these incentives is going to speak volumes. From what I'm hearing, recent discussions have been heated and confrontational. The film incentive/rebate competition continues to surge. This could be a defining moment for filming in Cali.
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Richard "RB" Botto Absolutely! I've read one report they're pushing toward 35% incentives!
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Thsi is a great start ad I totally agree with Richard "RB" Botto - we are at a defining moment for Cali. The right commitment will build tremendous momentum. A buddy of mine is bringing a $4M indie digital series from Austin, TX back to LA this year and the film commission is working with him so its more than just indie features - supporting the productiom industry at every level will pay huge dividends.
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And keeping it open for all, Jack Binder. Doubtful that will happen, but nice to see it on the table.
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That's great to hear, Sam Sokolow. Much more work to do, however. They really need to get this one right.
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Richard "RB" Botto Actually, I think a 35% film tax credit is an imperative for the home of film and tv. When I helped write the Michigan film tax credit I implored the Governor to go to 42%, which she did, and it was gang-busters before the new Governor pulled the rug out on the exploding film and tv industry there.
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You did a ton of people right by helping write that Michigan credit, Jack Binder. And man, are you also right on how they screwed that up. One of the biggest missteps in the last 20 years.