|
Applications for California Film/TV
Tax Credit Rise 83%
|
 | |
Applicants lined up early at the CFC office in Hollywood on June 1st for the next $100 million round of film and TV tax credits.
|
There's no place like home...
That sentiment (and unforgettable line of dialogue) was on display June 1st at the California Film Commission's office in Hollywood as applications were accepted for the state's next $100 million round of film and TV tax credits.
The number of applications processed for the current application period rose 83 percent to 322, compared to 176 last year. A lottery to determine which would receive credits yielded a total of 27 projects.
Based on information provided by each applicant, it's estimated that these projects will spend more than $676 million in California, including nearly $263 million in qualified wages. They will employ an estimated 2,900 cast members, 2,800 crew members and 57,000 extras/stand-ins (calculated in "man-days").
 | |
"There's no place like home."
|
Projects not among the 27 selected initially were placed on a waiting list. As in prior years, the Film Commission expects many on the list will ultimately receive credits, as approved projects withdraw from the program due to scheduling delays or other production-related issues.
_________________________
Why Does California Need a Tax Credit Lottery?
The answer is simple... demand for tax credits far exceeds supply.
The lottery ensures credits are distributed in the most fair and transparent way possible. Without the lottery, credits would be awarded on a first come, first served basis, which could enable one applicant with multiple projects to collect a disproportionate share of credits.
 | |
Some of the record 322 applications submitted June 1st.
|
California's lottery is a unique solution to a unique problem. Other nations and U.S. states, even those with a very substantial volume of production, have a supply of tax credits sufficient to meet growing demand. This means that states such as New York (which allocates $420 million in tax credits annually) can accommodate all eligible projects, without the need for a lottery.
|
|
Legislative Update:
Bills to Extend CA Tax Credit Program Advance Through State Senate and Assembly
Two bills seeking to extend California's Film and TV Tax Credit Program are currently advancing through the state legislature.
The Se nate version (SB1167 - Calderon) was recently approved by the Governance and Finance Committee after an amendment to reduce the tax credit program extension from five to two years. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Appropriations Committee before advancing for a full Senate vote.
The Assembly version (AB2026 - Fuentes) had its final Assembly hearing on August 8th and is on its way to the Assembly floor for a vote.
|
|
California Fights Back at AFCI Locations Expo
 | |
CFC Board Member Steve Dayan of Teamsters 399 discusses California's incentive program and global competition at the
AFCI Locations Expo.
|
The California Film Commission and a contingent of
regional film offices from across the state were prepared to take on the competition at this year's AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International) Locations Show, held June 15-16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
In what has become an annual ritual, hundreds of film commissions from around the world descended on our home turf to tout their production incentives. Their goal was simple... to lure production from California.
But despite all the hype, the California Film Commission and more than a dozen FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide) member film offices reminded attendees that there's simply no substitute for California when it comes to production talent, infrastructure and locations.
 | |
CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch rallies troops at the CA booth.
|
Lemisch Discusses the Future of Film Incentives
California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch
also appeared June 16th on an AFCI panel examining the future of film and TV production incentives. Moderated by Richard Verrier of the Los Angeles Times, the panel included a discussion on how California's relatively modest incentive program is faring against domestic and global competition.
|
|
Campaign Promotes Region-Wide Adoption of CFC's Model Film Ordinance
 The California Film Commission has joined forces with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. (LAEDC), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and FilmL.A. to encourage widespread adoption of the Commission's recently-updated Model Film Ordinance and Best Practices Guidelines.
The uniform set of policies and procedures are intended to help local governments become more film-friendly by streamlining the on-location permitting process. The goal of the campaign is to encourage cities and counties to replace the current patchwork of film ordinances with a uniform set of policies. So far, Carson, Simi Valley and Duarte are among the first cities to revise their film ordinances in accordance with the Film Commission's guidelines.
Film-Friendly Best Practices include:
- Fast permit turnaround (2-5 business days)
- Reasonable permit fees consistent with surrounding cities
- Standardized hours for film activity in residential zones
- Elimination of business license requirements
- Fee-free city/county-owned locations
Related press coverage:
|
Featured Location: ;
Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura
 Need to drive a car on
the beach?
Get gnarly at this beautiful stretch of coastline with calm waters and dunes that give the illusion of isolation!
Located next to Ventura Harbor Village, Harbor Cove Beach is a picturesque stretch of shoreline available for shooting seven days a week. There's convenient parking, and the fees are low thanks to the film-friendly Ventura Port District.
|
|
Tax Credit Projects Currently In Release
The following projects currently (or soon-to-be) in release were produced in California with assistance from the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program:
|
|
"Bunheads"
"Rizzoli & Isles"
"Franklin & Bash"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"Savages"
"August"
"Wrong"
"Gangster Squad"
|
 | | "Gangster Squad" |
 | | "Franklin and Bash" |
|
|
