From CD2 Councilmember Adrin Nazarian:
I want to share an update on our fight to Keep Hollywood Home. We’re making progress because the people who work in this industry every day are stepping up and speaking out. For the last few weeks, I’ve been meeting face-to-face with rank-and-file union members. Hearing their experiences firsthand will help us make policy that reflects the actual realities they face in production and on location.
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Grips, Location Managers, Makeup Artists, and Costumers, and they’ve shared the hurdles they go through on a daily basis just to film in our city. These conversations are crucial to our process, so if you’re part of a union, guild, or industry group and want to meet with me, please reach out to my office.
This work can’t stop at L.A.’s borders. I’ve reached out to neighboring cities — because regional collaboration is key to keeping production in the Los Angeles area. Burbank, Glendale, Culver City, and West Hollywood have already stepped up to join the fight. Together, we’re building a united front to support jobs and keep this industry here where it belongs.
Right now, we’re waiting for a report from the Chief Legislative Analyst’s office. I expect to hear that in the City Council in the coming weeks. That report will give us facts and figures, and some definite proposals, but our policy will be grounded in the lived experience of the working people who make movies and TV in Los Angeles.
I want to thank everyone who has participated in this effort so far. Let’s keep the momentum going. Keep Hollywood Home!
This week, the California State Senate passed SB 630, and the Assembly passed AB 1138. When reconciled, these bills will increase the tax credit a qualifying production can receive, up to 35 percent of its tax liability. They extend eligibility for the credit to shorter TV shows, animated titles, and some unscripted programming. The bills do not include the expansion of funding for the program that the Governor has asked for, which will have to be considered separately. The City Council has urged the legislature to increase the funding for the program, as the Governor has requested. Robust tax credits are needed immediately to stem the flight of production from California as a whole.
