Paul Clinton
BURBANK -- Film and television production companies on their way to
Canada may think twice now that Gov. Gray Davis signed two bills designed
to stem the flow of job losses heading out of state.
The bills will offer producers a short list of state owned properties
that filmmakers can rent for a minimal fee as well as rebates on some
shooting fees.
Davis signed the bills, both co-sponsored by State Sen. Adam Schiff
(D-Glendale), on Sept. 26.
"These bills will help maintain California's status as the film and
television capital of the world," Davis said. "Both of these bills
provide significant incentives for film production companies to film in
California."
One bill, SB 2061, aims to help industry producers gain access to
vacant offices, empty warehouses and park land owned by state agencies.
Schiff authored the bill.
The other bill, AB 484, sets aside $15.3 million in the state's
2000-2001 budget to reimburse state and local agencies that waive or
reduce fees normally charged to production companies. Sponsored by Schiff
and authored by Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), that bill
caps the reimbursement at $300,000.
The state's 2000-2001 budget also includes a $1.4 million allocation
to the California Film Commission for marketing and other costs to help
keep companies from leaving the state. The commission will oversee the
programs set up by the passage of the two bills.
Schiff estimated the state's "runaway" economic losses at $10.3
billion for 1998, up from $2 billion in 1990.
The state Senator and candidate for 27th Congressional District said
the new laws will help, but he pledged to keep fighting for tax credits
for companies that use state locations. The tax credits, which would have
cost the state more than $20 million, were eliminated as the bill worked
its way to Davis' desk.
"I think this will absolutely help," Schiff said of the two bills.
"It's an important step."
