The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has expressed approval following the passage of California AB 1138. This bill, supported by Assemblymember Rick Zbur and state Senator Ben Allen, aims to modernize California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program to help restore jobs within the state.
The new legislation broadens the scope of projects eligible for tax credits to include half-hour series, animation, and large-scale competition series. It also increases the per-production cap to $120 million, enhances incentives for filming outside Los Angeles, and triples funding for independent films.
AB 1138 was passed shortly after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a state budget bill that expands the Film and Television Jobs Program. This will increase annual incentive funding to $750 million starting July 7 through 2031.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher commented on this development: “AB 1138 and Gov. Newsom’s expansion of funding are enormous victories — not just for entertainment workers, but for the entire California economy. A prosperous film and television industry fuels tourism, retail, real estate and small businesses across the state! We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen, the bill’s co-authors, and the many legislators who supported this effort to keep jobs in California. And thank you, Gov. Newsom, for your leadership in protecting our entertainment ecosystem. To our incredible SAG-AFTRA members who spoke up, sent letters, and took action — your advocacy made this win possible. May this be the start of a Hot Production Summer!”
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator added: “When film and TV production thrives, California thrives. With AB 1138 passed and expanded funding now in place, we’re poised to see more jobs, more opportunity, and a stronger future for the thousands of workers and small businesses who power this industry. Our deepest thanks to Gov. Newsom for his leadership, and to Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen for championing this bill. We’re also incredibly proud of our SAG-AFTRA members and Entertainment Union Coalition partners whose collective action made this victory possible. This is a major step forward in revitalizing production in California —and we’re just getting started.”
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 individuals across various entertainment professions including actors, announcers, broadcast journalists among others. It is affiliated with AFL-CIO with national offices located in Los Angeles and New York.
