Hollywood Incentives Bill Passes the CA State Assembly

By Chris Sturges | WBN TV | June 10, 2025
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The video discusses the recent passage of California Assembly Bill 1138, aimed at reviving the state’s declining film and television industry by expanding production tax credits and encouraging more in-state filming.

Key Points:

• AB1138 Passed: The California Assembly approved the bill with broad bipartisan support. However, Governor Gavin Newsom’s previously proposed $750 million cap was not included in the current version headed to the Senate.
• Criticism: Assembly member Carl DeMaio cast the sole dissenting vote, calling the bill a handout to Hollywood elites that fails to address core issues like high labor costs and excessive regulation—major factors driving productions out of California.
• Support and DEI Focus: Proponents of the bill highlight its potential to expand training programs for underrepresented communities in the film industry, but critics argue this is more performative than impactful.
• Skepticism of Impact: The speakers doubt the bill will meaningfully bring production back to California. They describe the initiative as “inefficient spending,” where tax dollars are funneled to unions and filmmakers without structural reforms.
• Larger Critique of Governance: The conversation shifts into broader criticism of California governance, particularly Governor Newsom. The hosts express frustration over persistent bureaucratic red tape, past unfulfilled infrastructure promises (e.g., drought reservoir projects), and what they perceive as a cycle of cronyism and mismanagement of public funds.
• Cynicism Toward the Political System: They characterize the film incentive as part of a wider pattern in which politicians funnel public money to favored groups (e.g., unions) who in turn support those politicians—describing it as a “cycle of cash” and ongoing “grift.”

Conclusion: While AB1138 is pitched as a revival tool for California’s film sector, critics in the video argue it is unlikely to solve core structural problems and may perpetuate inefficient government spending without meaningful industry reform.

Opinion:

The act still excludes many of the pieces of the puzzle, like the 'above the line' crew, infrastructure, regulations, and long term stability of the industry. The Hollywood Incentives Bill feels like it's a year late and a half a billion dollars short. Hollywood will become a tourist destination where people go to 'experience the dream of yesteryear'.

Credit: FilmThreat.com

Chris Sturges, Business Development Director for

Suspiciously Convenient Productions Inc

Contact: chris@suspiciouslyconvenient.com

Tags: #Global Film Production #Film Industry Trends #Future Of Filmmaking
#New Film Hubs #World Cinema Growth #Hollywood Trends