The Entertainment Union Coalition celebrates the passage of AB 1138 – which will modernize and strengthen California’s Film and Television Jobs Program. This bill, alongside the expanded program funding which was signed into law by the Governor in Burbank on July 2, 2025, represents the two critical elements our members and the Entertainment Union Coalition have been advocating for since January.
To truly revitalize our industry throughout the state and retain and create the greatest number of jobs, both the expansion and modernization of this program needed to take effect together in July. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our members and our allies, that goal has now been achieved.
Key program changes include:
- Increasing the Base Credit Rate to 35% for all participants, including independent productions
- Expanding the types of projects that can apply to include half-hour series, animation and large-scale competition series
- Raising the per-production cap to $120 million
- Enhancing incentives for filming outside the Los Angeles area, with credits up to 45% for certain expenditures
- Tripling funding for Independent films from $26 million to $75 million and raising the per production cap
- Broadening access to career pathways by allowing more non-profit organizations throughout the state to partner with the program, opening doors to a broader range of Californians
We would not be here today without the steadfast leadership of Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen. From day one, they recognized both the importance and urgency of this effort and were instrumental in ensuring the program remained focused on jobs. We also thank the bill’s co-authors who joined in advocating for a program that retains and expands union jobs, supports small businesses and keeps the entertainment industry thriving in California.
We are deeply grateful for the support of Governor Newsom and members of the Legislature, who recognized and took action to protect the economic and cultural value of California’s entertainment workforce. Their commitment to fighting for these middle-class jobs that provide fair wages, health care and retirement with dignity deserves recognition.
The power of our Entertainment Union Coalition and the solidarity and stories of our members are what made this possible. Through coordinated action and persistent advocacy, including the Keep California Rolling campaign, we fought for a program that was about jobs, families and businesses. Now, we can look forward to our members getting back to work where they live, and we call on the studios to recommit to making that happen.
