At the Los Angeles premiere of The Accountant 2, actor‑director Ben Affleck didn’t mince words about the California production crisis.
Interviewed by the Associated Press on the red carpet at TCL Chinese Theatre, Affleck argued that Golden State policymakers have “taken this industry for granted,” allowing competing jurisdictions to lure away productions with more generous tax rebates and exchange rates.
“Taken For Granted”: Affleck’s Hard‑Hitting Diagnosis
“I think part of the problem with California is they came to take this industry for granted a little bit,” Affleck told the AP, pinpointing the root of the California production crisis.
While Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed raising the state’s annual cap on film incentives, Affleck cautions that marginal tweaks won’t reverse an exodus of Hollywood projects. “The percentage you get back in terms of actual budget doesn’t compete with places like England,” he warned, noting that blockbuster tentpoles increasingly decamp to the U.K. to stretch their budgets.
Competing Incentive Models Fuel the Exodus
California’s current incentives program offers up to 25 percent rebates, but caps total annual payouts at $330 million. By contrast, Georgia and New Mexico impose no cap, while Massachusetts, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Texas offer attractive credits without hard limits. This patchwork of state and national policies underpins the California production crisis, as studios chase cost savings in a lean, post‑“Peak TV” era.
The Human Cost: Crew Talent on the Move
Beyond corporate bottom lines, Affleck flagged a looming talent drain. “It’s really the technicians and the crew that make or break your movie,” he stressed. If the California production crisis forces grips, gaffers, and camera operators to relocate, “that really hurts the industry.” As on‑location shoot days and soundstage occupancy nosedived, local vendors and union workers have suffered layoffs, echoing Affleck’s concern that once‑loyal talent may never return.
Stay in L.A. and Legislative Solutions
Responding to the California production crisis, grassroots coalitions launched the “Stay in L.A.” movement to spotlight lost revenues and jobs. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Sacramento debate expanding the tax credit cap and widening eligibility. Industry insiders say an uncapped, tiered rebate model—similar to Georgia’s—could be a game‑changer, stanching the outflow of projects.
Affleck’s Own Productions Invest in California
Despite the California production crisis, Affleck has put his money where his mouth is. The Accountant 2 filmed in Los Angeles and Santa Clarita, while his Netflix project Animals is shooting on local soundstages. Affleck’s commitment underscores that, with the right incentives, California can still compete—yet his critique suggests such efforts remain the exception, not the rule.
Broader Implications for the U.S. Industry
The California production crisis won’t only reshape Hollywood. As major franchises sidestep U.S. stages for the U.K., their crews train overseas and spend locally, shifting economic growth abroad. Film schools risk brain drain, and ancillary businesses—caterers, equipment rental houses, makeup artists—face unprecedented uncertainty.
What Comes Next? Industry‑Wide Pressure Mounts
Affleck’s remarks add urgency to calls for reform. Unions, studio execs, and civic groups now lobby Sacramento to:
- Lift or remove caps on annual incentives.
- Offer tiered bonuses for filming in high‑cost urban zones.
- Fast‑track permits for location shoots.
If enacted, these measures could begin to reverse the flight of business that sparked the California production crisis in the first place.
How Viewers Can Help
Fans can support local production by:
- Choosing local screenings and encouraging peers to “vote with their tickets.”
- Contacting legislators via campaign websites to back incentive expansions.
- Sharing news of the California production crisis on social media to build public pressure.
Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What triggered Affleck’s comments? | His AP interview at The Accountant 2 premiere, April 16 at TCL Chinese Theatre. |
| Which states offer uncapped incentives? | Georgia, New Mexico, and several others. |
| What’s “Stay in L.A.”? | A grassroots push to keep productions in California by raising public awareness. |
Source Acknowledgment
Insights on the California production crisis are drawn from an Associated Press interview with Ben Affleck.
