Rep. Adam Schiff is stepping up to champion a federal incentive designed to keep film and TV production jobs here in the U.S. With his likely transition to a California Senate seat on the horizon, Schiff’s move highlights the urgency to compete with other countries’ powerful tax credit programs that have been luring productions away from American soil.
In a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Schiff requested a data deep-dive into how overseas incentives impact the domestic production landscape. He emphasized that for the U.S. to maintain its edge as a global entertainment leader and fuel more American jobs, competitive, labor-focused incentives are a must.
“We need to prioritize U.S.-based film and television production to create more American jobs,” Schiff said, a stance that echoes what the industry has long advocated for—a nationwide, consistent incentive that supplements state programs in places like California, Georgia, New Mexico, and New York.
Production in the U.S. has faced major challenges over the past three years, impacted by the 2023 strikes and a broader industry contraction. Meanwhile, countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia have continued to attract U.S. productions, thanks to lucrative incentives. IATSE President Matt Loeb voiced strong support for Schiff’s initiative, adding that a federal incentive “would level the playing field and address this imbalance,” particularly if paired with labor standards to protect workers.
SAG-AFTRA’s general counsel, Jeffrey Bennett, echoed these sentiments, stating that Schiff’s data request is essential in creating incentives that keep productions—and jobs—stateside.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced his own push to bolster the state’s production incentives, proposing an increase from $330 million to $750 million to counter the current employment crunch. Newsom hinted that if Kamala Harris were to ascend to the presidency, a federal incentive could well be on her agenda.
The industry is watching closely. Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association, announced that the MPA is fully prepared to collaborate with Congress and industry allies to support a federal incentive program that could redefine the competitive landscape and keep the cameras rolling right here in the U.S.
