Entertainment Union Coalition Launches Keep California Rolling Campaign: ‘The Future of Film and TV Production is Not Guaranteed’

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As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m part of a collective effort called “Keep California Rolling.” This grassroots movement, spearheaded by labor forces, is working tirelessly to prioritize job preservation in the proposed extension of California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program.

The rollout of the campaign is in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent suggestion to boost California’s incentive program for film and TV production from $330 million to $750 million yearly. This significant increase aims to prevent the exodus of production companies leaving California.

Rebecca Rhine, the Executive Director and President of the Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC), is spearheading a campaign with multiple calls to action. Over one hundred workers from various EUC member unions and organizations – such as the American Federation of Musicians, California IATSE Council, Directors Guild of America, LiUNA! Local 724, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters Local 399, and Writers Guild of America West – are planning to visit Sacramento next month. Their aim is to lobby for a job-centric incentive program that entices production companies to return to California, thereby bolstering local and state economies.

While conversing with EbMaster, Rhine emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling it as “critical.” She expressed, “We’re dealing with a significant part of California’s history – its film and television production industry. It’s easy to overlook this fact, but the continuation of this industry in California is by no means a certainty.” She further noted, “Just like the automobile and aerospace industries, deeply embedded in communities as they were, they didn’t prevent the gradual decay and eventual relocation of those industries.

Rhine emphasized to the state legislators that education was crucial. He clarified that it’s essential to help them see how things might differ from their current perception. Additionally, he wanted them to recognize who these jobs are intended for. These aren’t wealthy celebrities earning millions or the highly-paid professionals within the industry; instead, they are residents who live locally and wish to work in their own communities. The positions credited in this bill primarily involve construction crews, laborers, IA locals, drivers, location managers, directorial teams, and extras.

Rhine underscored a 40% decrease in production within the state, warning that the resulting job losses could signal a crisis if not addressed promptly. “We must prevent the erosion of our workforce,” he said, “to ensure that the industry continues to prosper in California.

In supporting the program’s growth, the European Union Commission aims to prioritize job creation in all proposals made during the process.

Rhine aims to enlighten lawmakers regarding the far-reaching consequences of work loss within this sector and the repercussions on small businesses linked to the industry, such as caterers, cleaners, planners, and more. Essentially, she is emphasizing that this industry plays a crucial role in promoting tourism for the state, generating billions of dollars, but at its heart, it’s about ensuring we acknowledge and safeguard an industry so deeply rooted in the state’s economy.

Beyond teaching and offering resources, Rhine mentioned that the campaign aims to emphasize the necessary steps to enhance the incentive’s competitiveness. This includes both structural and administrative modifications. We are receptive to these discussions, and we will engage in them; however, whatever decisions we reach must result in tangible work for actual people.

The speaker emphasized, “It’s crucial that the growth of the Film & TV tax credit program focuses more on workers instead of corporate earnings. The EUC agrees with the governor’s plan, which represents a major expansion of the program in years, but we need to make sure it lives up to its commitment: keeping production and the jobs it generates within California, allowing workers and their families to prosper in their local communities.

The campaign additionally unveiled its website, offering resources and encouraging workers from various sectors to join forces in their battle for employment opportunities. Additionally, reports on the California Film & Television Jobs Program Impact Study prepared by the EUC can be found on this site as well.

Speaking as a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to see our industry flourishing, which in turn boosts California’s prosperity. Uniquely, our unions have joined forces like never before. We’ve expanded our ranks, adding new unions to the EUC, and everyone is aligned in their vision. This is a historic moment, and we want our members to understand that this unity reflects the values their unions uphold.

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2025-02-28 01:48