Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed plan to boost the tax credit program from $330 million to $750 million in the next year to help keep TV and film production in California has evoked mixed feelings from some in the industry.
The proposal still needs approval by state lawmakers, but Greg Bilson Junior, who runs a prop house called SSI Props, tells KNX News’ Emily Valdez he thinks the tax cuts will give the entertainment industry a much-needed boost.
“This is all below-the-line costs, which are directly spent in local vendors and in businesses all over California, Bilson said. “If I were them, I would make it a billion dollars. I would make it unlimited to let people know we’re serious about keeping the film and television industry rooted in California.”
Rickie Gustilo, a longtime union camera operator, isn’t quite as optimistic.
Gustilo, who typically works on several shows yearly, said some major network shows are hanging by a thread, just getting enough good ratings to …