AB2319 - The Post-Production Tax Credit

California Assembly Bill 2319 would create a standalone post-production tax incentive designed to help bring film and television jobs back to the state. It would augment California’s existing incentive program (which incentivizes both production and post when a project is based in California) and is modeled on New York’s long-standing post-production tax incentive. It intends to stem the flight of post-production work — editing, sound, VFX, and finishing —to other states and countries offering aggressive incentives.

Local 700, alongside industry partners, is lobbying to support and improve this legislation to protect the future of union members’ post-production careers in California.

Everyone needs to pitch in!

Please phone your California state senator to help make sure AB-2319, the post-production tax incentive, is passed and funded. Use this link to connect to your senator! Don't forget to share the link with friends and family!
https://win.newmode.net/motionpictureeditorsguilc/callstatesenatorstosupportab2319

We have many steps to go!

Additional info:

Stay updated with additional information at CineMontage.org: https://cinemontage.org/?s=AB2319

President F. Hudson Miller addressing California Assembly, Tax & Revenue Committee: view video

FAQs

Why is this important to Local 700 members?

Several other states and countries offer lucrative incentives to lure post-production jobs. AB2319 would help level the playing field and aims to return post-production employment to California.

What work will be covered under AB-2319?

Eligible work includes picture editing, sound editing, rerecording, visual effects, finishing, and music scoring — as long as the work is performed in California.

Doesn’t California already have a film and television tax credit? Why do we need another one for post?

The California Film and Television Tax Credit Program 4.0 was recently doubled to $750 million annually, thanks to the activism of IATSE members and other entertainment unions. This program supports productions for which 75% or more of principal photography takes place in California and/or 75% or more of the total budget it spent in California. Tax credits for 4.0 incentivize work across all IATSE crafts, including Local 700 post-production work.

AB-2319 fills a critical gap by incentivizing post-production work even when projects are filmed elsewhere. A standalone post-production incentive would make it more likely that projects that shoot abroad or out of state would come back to California for post-production.

Who wrote the bill?

The bill was authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (Assembly District 44, southeastern San Fernando Valley), and is also sponsored by the California Post Alliance, an industry trade group.

Is Local 700 working to amend the bill?

Yes. The Editors Guild is engaged in productive talks with Assemblymember Schultz and the California Post Alliance to strengthen the bill, including advocating for labor standards that ensure the jobs incentivized by the bill provide good wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Will this bill raise my taxes?

No. The program would be funded through the state budget. AB-2319 is a tax cut, not a tax increase. It is designed to lower the overall cost of film-making in California.

What is the timeline for this bill to be passed?

Now: Awaiting full Assembly vote (by May 29)

Next: If passed, moves to the State Senate (through August)

Then: Potential approval by the Governor (by September)

Implementation: January 2027

Has Local 700 been lobbying for the bill?

Yes. Guild leadership and members have traveled to Sacramento multiple times and continue to engage directly with lawmakers. President F. Hudson Miller testified before two assembly committees.

What can I do to help?

As the bill moves forward, we will be calling on members to write, telephone, and/or visit their lawmakers and legislative committees.

I’ve already sent a letter, why do I need to send more?

MPEG’s Political Engagement Committee will need all members to take action at every step of this process. We will come to you to help us write to lawmakers in Sacramento multiple times. Even if you wrote a letter weeks ago, for a prior step, we need you to please DO IT AGAIN.

What is the Political Engagement Committee?

The Political Engagement Committee was created by MPEG’s Board of Directors. Its mission is “to educate and engage members to encourage support of pro-labor candidates, causes, and campaigns backed by the IATSE, the AFL-CIO, and/or the state, regional, or local labor federations or central labor councils where our members reside.”

See Committees: https://www.editorsguild.com/Committees

Who can I contact with further questions?

Please share your feedback at politicalengagement@editorsguild.com

Join us in making real beneficial change!