At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
California has long been the heart of the entertainment industry—but as production costs rise and attractive tax incentives pop up in competing states and countries, the state’s leadership is taking action. Two new bills, AB 1138 and SB 630, aim to bolster the Hollywood Film & TV Tax Credit Program, ensuring that the Golden State remains a thriving hub for film and television content.
At Wrapbook, we believe in supporting forward-thinking initiatives that benefit both the creative community and the local economy, and we’re proud that our CEO, Ali Javid, is part of the conversation. Below, we break down the major points of the proposed legislation and why it matters.
1. Raising the base tax credit rate
The current 20% base credit rate would increase, giving producers a stronger incentive to bring (and keep) their projects in California. An elevated rate makes our state more competitive with places like Georgia, New York, and Canada, where productions have flocked in recent years.
2. Expanding eligibility
More types of productions—such as smaller-scale indie films, documentary projects, and niche streaming series—could qualify for the tax credits. This is a push to support diverse, innovative storytelling that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
3. Lifting or eliminating the $100M cap
Current rules cap the qualifying production budget at $100 million. The proposed changes would remove (or significantly raise) that ceiling, enabling large-scale blockbusters and big-budget TV series to stay in-state without penalty.
4. Season-over-season incentives
Television series that demonstrate stable, recurring employment for cast and crew could receive incremental tax credit boosts with each season. This aims to reward shows that establish long-term roots—and a robust workforce—in California.
The entertainment landscape has never been more competitive. Streaming platforms, international co-productions, and out-of-state tax breaks lure producers away from California, risking not only the loss of direct jobs on set but also the broader economic benefits—hotels, catering, transportation, and more.
As Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur and Senator Ben Allen shared:
“The Hollywood Film & TV Tax Credit isn’t a giveaway—it’s an investment. Without action, we risk billions in local economies, hundreds of thousands of jobs, and our status as the global entertainment leader.”
At Wrapbook, we’re dedicated to being a force multiplier for productions with friction-free production finance solutions. We believe AB 1138 and SB 630 have real potential to stimulate local production and unlock meaningful opportunities for cast, crew, and related businesses.
Our goal is to empower production finance teams with the tools they need to thrive everywhere, and especially here in California. We look forward to seeing how these updated incentives can drive innovation and growth in the film and TV industry.
As the bills move through the legislative process, we’ll continue tracking developments to help our clients stay ahead of any changes. For the latest on entertainment payroll, production best practices, and industry updates, keep an eye on our blog, subscribe to our newsletter, and connect with us on social media.
Want to hear more? Check out this short video of Wrapbook’s CEO's recent remarks at the press conference where he shares Wrapbook’s commitment to better solutions for producers and crew.