US lawmakers introduce federal production incentive bill

Congress is moving fast to get a US federal production incentive on the books as bipartisan lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill for a 20% transferable tax credit for wages that will apply to above-the-line actors and directors as well as below-the-line workers.

Uplifts provide 5% bonuses for independent shoots and rural productions. Shoots in Los Angeles County, which has felt the sharp end of exoduses to productions in other jurisdictions, would also quality for a 5% uplift over the next five years because the region is classified as a disaster area following the 2025 wildfires.

If approved, the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would apply to film and television productions budgeted over $1m, with 75% of the shoot taking place within the US.

The incentive will be stackable and operate in addition to existing state incentives. Senators Tim Scott (R) of South Carolina, Adam Schiff (D) of California, and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D) of Georgia are the sponsors. Backing a complimentary bill in the House of Representatives are Nathanial Moran (R) of Texas and Linda Sanchez (D) of California. Representatives Laura Friedman (D) of California and Brian Jack (R) of Georgia are supporting the legislation.

Despite years…