Congress Plans 20% Federal Film Tax Credit to Bring Hollywood Production Back Home
Archivbilder der Woche KW07 Mel Gibson places his hand and footprints in cement on August 23, 1993 at the Mann s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Archivbilder der Woche KW07 Mel Gibson places his hand and footprints in cement on August 23, 1993 at the Mann s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Hollywood could be on its way to producing more films and TV shows at home rather than moving productions to other countries. Members of Congress are working on a new bill that could benefit the Hollywood industry, helping it grow while also creating opportunities for other industries. Now, there have been conversations for a long time about introducing an incentive for film and TV production.
It seems the plan is finally moving forward. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, the proposal is promising and can reportedly be strong competition to subsidies from the UK and Canada.
What is the new Federal Film Incentive draft?
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As reported by Variety, a new bill is in the works that could create a 20% federal film and TV incentive. Moreover, with bonuses, the number could rise to as high as 30%. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, a Republican from East Texas, and Rep. Linda Sanchez, a Democrat from Whittier, California, are working on the bill, with both serving on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Guillermo del Toro wins Oscar for best director and best-selling film Shape of Water The Whispering of Water in the Press Room of the Oscar Awards 2018 90th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood Highland Center Los Angeles 04 03 2018 Foto:xD.xBedrosianx xFuturexImage
Guillermo del Toro wins Oscar for best director and best-selling film Shape of Water The Whispering of Water in the Press Room of the Oscar Awards 2018 90th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood Highland Center Los Angeles 04 03 2018 Foto:xD.xBedrosianx xFuturexImage
And as per many sources, the proposed bill is expected to be introduced this month. The proposed bill reportedly would provide a 20% federal tax credit on eligible labor costs, covering both above-the-line and below-the-line workers. It could apply to films, scripted TV shows, reality TV, and animation, while news and sports broadcasts would not qualify. The bill will reportedly also allow producers to claim an extra five percent if they meet any of the four criteria given to them.
1. Production in a rural opportunity zone
2. Make an independent production
3. Bring a certain amount of filming back to the U.S. from abroad
4. Spend at least $10 million in 10 different states in a year
Now, the proposal has also received the nod from President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump shows his support for Federal Film Incentive draft?
President Donald Trump also seemed impressed by the idea. He also showed his support in a Truth Social Post back in August. He further added in his post that this can be done quickly and efficiently.
“I am going to suggest that Republicans and Democrats get together, and immediately craft Legislation to save the Movie, Television, and Entertainment Business in America,” he wrote.
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via Imago
Credits: Imago
In the last few years, domestic production has declined. As per sources, attractive incentives in Canada and other countries have encouraged producers to move their projects abroad, and there are several examples. While the proposal is promising, whether it will pass and bring about meaningful change remains to be seen.
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What do you think about the proposal? Let us know in the comments.
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Edited By: Itti Mahajan
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