Together with Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and the California Film Commission, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his support for SB 485, which would invest $1.65 billion in the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to extend it for an additional five years, through 2030. This program allocates $330 million per year in tax credits for the industry.
This announcement comes as hundreds of showrunners demand that production companies implement protocols to protect pregnant employees in states where abortion is outlawed.
“As other states roll back people’s rights, California will continue to protect fundamental freedoms for all and welcome businesses that stand up for their employees,” said Governor Newsom. “Extending this program will help ensure California’s world-renowned entertainment industry continues to drive economic growth with good jobs and a diverse, inclusive workforce.”
The state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has been shown to generate $24 in economic activity for every $1 invested–spurring tens of billions of dollars in economic output, helping create over 110,000 jobs, and bringing shows and films to California.
In response to today’s announcement by Governor Newsom, California Film Commission executive director Colleen Bell stated that the Commission stands ready to help all projects–including those that reject states where fundamental rights are under assault–make the most of all that California has to offer.
“The Governor’s actions today speak to the values held by so many people across the film and TV production industry,” she said. “More than ever, California offers the best value and the best values.”
Bell also noted that the creative community has unique influence and therefore, unique responsibility. “Working in and supporting a state that violates basic freedoms is antithetical to the industry’s core values,” she added. “It’s also bad business.”
“California is the entertainment capital of the world and it is exciting and appropriate for the state to invest in keeping and expanding its impact. The economic benefit from extending the Film and Television Tax Credit Program creates thousands of jobs for talented crafts people and generates significant revenue for our budget,” said Senator Anthony Portantino, author of SB 485.
Governor Newsom has taken action to protect the fundamental right to abortion, expand access to critical reproductive health care services and protect patients and providers:
- Signed legislation to help protect patients and providers in California from civil liability for providing, aiding, or receiving abortion care in the state;
- Launched a new Multi-State Commitment to defend access to reproductive health care and protect patients and providers;
- Issued an executive order that prevents any information, including medical records, from being shared by state agencies in response to investigations brought by other states or individuals in those states looking to restrict abortion access;
- Advanced a state budget that includes more than $200 million in additional funding for reproductive health care, preparing for an influx of women from out-of-state seeking access to these services;
- Signed legislation to eliminate copays for abortion care services and further strengthen access and protect patients and providers.
In November, California voters will have an opportunity to amend the state’s constitution to include the right to an abortion.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More