CALIFORNIA FIGHTS FOR FILMS

HOLLYWOOD FIGHTS BACK

Hollywood was the home of moviemaking for so many decades – but not anymore. Financial incentives from other states and nations have lured major films away from California in recent years. Marvel movies like Black Panther are made in Georgia, the Star Wars films get shot in the UK, Suicide Squad in Canada and there are countless other examples of films pulled out of Los Angeles attracted by tax credits elsewhere. Now though, Tinseltown is fighting back against runaway production and making movies return to their traditional home.

California has greatly increased the tax incentives available to moviemakers who shoot there and hopes the argument of economics plus the availability of experienced local crews, plenty of studio space and stunning locations will be enough to reverse the trend. Top Gun: Maverick – shot in San Diego – was a big win for the state and other productions have also based themselves in California, where movie making is now back to pre-pandemic levels. Now that policy makers have prioritized film production they will be hoping the trend continues and the mission to return Hollywood as the center of moviemaking can be accomplished.