Headline, Industry News

Film and TV incentive petition goes viral

In advance of a state Senate vote later this summer, a petition to persuade lawmakers to approve an extension of California’s film incentives has circulated widely around the Internet.

Petition, started by cinematographer Ed Gutentag, asks legislators to approve a five-year extension of the film and TV tax credit program, set to expire in 2014. Gutentag is also asking for industryites to call Senator Carol Liu’s district office in Glendale to express their support.

Gov. Jerry Brown will have to approve the extension should it make it through the Senate.

In May, the California State Assembly approved the program, which dedicates $100 million annually for qualified projects, 72 – 1. The approval allowed the bill to carry on to the Senate.

In an email to Variety, Gutentag says the petition’s received more than 1,000 signatures since he started it late last month.

Several advocates for the extension will travel to Sacramento Wednesday to pitch a committee of senators to ask for bill 1069 to be brought to the Senate floor this summer.

“I call it a jobs program, I don’t call it a tax credit,” Gutentag said. “Our (program) is the most economically sound.”

Gutentag says he fears that productions will leave the state in favor of more generous incentives should California not pass the extension.

Tax incentives have come under fire in recent months, with many lawmakers doubting their longterm effects on state economics.

Source: Variety