Filmmakers don’t have it easy these days. Between fighting for visibility in a world shaped by creators, short-form content, and fluctuating algorithms, and navigating the aftermath of strikes and the growing role of AI, there’s pressure at every level of the industry. Location scouts, set builders, editors, local vendors, everyone connected to production is feeling the strain. “Location, location, location” no longer means just choosing the best place to shoot. It now means finding somewhere you can afford to shoot at all.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill raising California’s annual film and television tax credit from $330 million to $750 million. The goal: keep productions from leaving the state. California helped invent Hollywood, but in recent years, it has struggled to maintain its hold. Jobs have moved to other states, like Georgia and New Mexico, where tax incentives are stronger and costs are lower.
