On April 6, 2023, a significant gathering took place in Sun Valley, California, under the banner of the Stay in L.A. rally, emphasizing the need to keep film and television production within Los Angeles. The event sought to highlight the crucial contributions of blue-collar workers in the film industry.

Government Incentives Proposal

The rally, hosted by SirReel Studio Services, featured prominent speakers including Simran Baidwan, executive producer of “The Pitt,” Burbank Mayor Nikki Perez, and Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur. They urged support for two critical pieces of legislation: AB 1138 and SB 630. These bills aim to augment California’s film incentive program to $750 million annually while expanding the types of productions eligible for these financial benefits.

Concerns About Industry Migration

In an interview with Variety, Assemblyman Zbur expressed gratitude for the rally’s turnout but lamented the necessity of such events. “The reason why we can get hundreds of people here on a Sunday afternoon is because people have seen these jobs lured away by other states,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of protecting California’s iconic industry.

Nationwide Film Incentive Discussions

Speakers did not limit their discussion to state-level initiatives; they also addressed the potential for a federal film incentive. U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove underscored the need for Congress to consider federal subsidies as a solution to the competitive disadvantage posed by other states and countries. “If you want to make America great again, make America produce again,” she asserted.

The Role of Influential Industry Figures

Kamlager-Dove also emphasized the responsibility of high-profile actors to advocate for Los Angeles. She noted that while A-list celebrities typically enjoy job security, their influence is crucial in retaining production within the state. “If you don’t have those exerting that kind of influence, we will see that production go to New Zealand and Mexico. And that hurts us,” she warned.

Legislative Priorities and Challenges

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas highlighted the complex landscape of competing priorities for federal funding, including responses to natural disasters like wildfires in Southern California. She acknowledged the challenge faced by legislators in balancing the urgent needs across various sectors while supporting job retention in the film industry.

Coalitions Fighting for Incentives

The Stay in L.A. initiative is part of a broader effort involving groups like the California Production Coalition and Keep California Rolling, working to exert pressure on lawmakers. Pamala Buzick Kim, co-president of California United and co-founder of Stay in L.A., articulated the coalition’s aim to ensure California remains competitive. “We don’t have the same economy as other places. We have to have the tax incentives do just enough to keep us in the conversation,” she remarked.

Protecting California’s Film Industry

Lindsay Dougherty, leader of Teamsters’ Local 399, reiterated the importance of continuous advocacy. She emphasized that complacency could lead to substantial repercussions, stating, “If we let it slip just a little bit, that’s enough time and money going elsewhere to then building an infrastructure workforce outside of California.”