Post-Production Bill

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! That means friends, family and all who care about the post-production industry in CA.

Please take one minute and send a letter... don't forget to share the link with friends and family too!

It's so easy... you're a click away. https://bit.ly/pass2319

We have many steps to go!

Additional Info

The new amendment text of AB-2319 language has been posted on the legislature website: View Legislature Site

Find your California Representative: State Senate and Assembly

Read more about the Guild's work to help pass AB2319 at: CineMontage

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

Assemblymember Nick Schultz, Marielle Abaunza, president of the California Post Alliance (CAPA) and F. Hudson Miller, president of Local 700 address Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee: view video

Mayor Karen Bass in support of AB2319

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Read letter of Support from Mayor Karen Bass

Read letter of support from Eduardo Cisneros, Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs

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 filmmaking in California.

What is the timeline for this bill to be passed?

Now: The bill passed a floor vote of the Assembly and moves to the Senate. The bill had a hearing in the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee.

Next: A budget request to fund the bill is under consideration.

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. Guild members have made hundreds of phone calls and written thousands of letters to lawmakers to advocate for a post-production tax incentive in California.

What can I do to help?

As the bill moves forward, we will be calling on members and their network of friends and family 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!

Rank-and-File Members, Board Members and Leadership join together in Sacramento.
Pictured: A.J. Catoline, Austin Scott, President F. Hudson Miller,
National Executive Director Scott George, Elisa Cohen and Lillian Benson.