WRITTEN BY KATE FINAN

CO-OWNER OF BOOM BOX POST

If you live in California and work in the entertainment industry, you have almost certainly noticed a precipitous decrease in film and television projects seeking staff over the last few years. You have probably even been out of work for some or all of that time. Multiple factors are contributing to fewer projects getting greenlit than we have seen in decades. But, when projects are greenlit, we have also seen the majority of them slip through our fingers and land one by one in other states, regions, and countries with robust tax credits. 

California has been very slow to offer their own credits, counting on the fact that the world’s largest and most storied film and television studios are here in Los Angeles. Our talent pool is vast, and the experience that they bring to each and every project is paramount. But, with studios fighting to bolster shareholder earning reports, streaming profits uncertain, and post-pandemic theatre sales slow to recuperate, trimming the fat from budgets has understandably become a necessary part of getting a production approved and across the finish line. 

Talent outside of Los Angeles is undeniable. However, it has been difficult to see so many local professionals, who were previously at the very top of their industries, unemployed and wondering if they will be able to keep their homes from foreclosure, their families intact, and their lifelong craft relevant. 

The California Post-Only Tax Credit, AB2319, proposes to do just that. This standalone post-production tax credit proposes to incentivize film and TV post-production work remaining in California even when principal photography is done elsewhere. The bill was introduced on February 19th, 2026 by Assembly Member Nick Schultz, and as of August 30th, after a long fight, it has against all odds cleared the California state legislature. The bill now sits on Governor Newsom’s desk, and it is up to him whether it will be signed. 

What would this bill mean to California post-production workers? 

  • The chance to work near their families, without constant travel

  • The ability to use their generational knowledge of the film and television industry

  • The ability to keep the legacy of Hollywood filmmaking alive

  • The bolstering of local post-production facilities, which funnel work into the local workforce and economy

  • The support of arts-based careers for young people in the Los Angeles area

  • The creation of high-quality jobs

  • Greater economic activity throughout the state of California

What can you right now do to lend your support?

  • Write to Governor Newsom using this pre-written form letter (or submit your own).

  • Call Governor Newsom at (916) 445-2841. Press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish); press 6 for a live representative; or press 3 to leave a message.

  • Sign up for a CAPA membership. 100% of membership fees go toward political action for this bill.

  • Post a video on social media supporting the bill. Be sure to tag:

    @CAGovernor and @GavinNewsom
    @AsmNickSchultz
    @californiapostalliance
    @MPEG700

If you would like to learn more about AB2319, the California Post-Production Tax Credit, watch CAPA’s detailed explainer video:

Share in the comments below how you or your loved ones have been affected by lack of a California post-production tax credit. We want to hear your stories!

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