Film & TV Tax Credits FAQ: What they are and what they mean for CA musicians

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Sign our petition to support AB 1199 and make continued improvements
to CA’s Film/TV Tax Credit Program for musicians!

What are film/TV tax credits?
Movie and television production incentives are tax benefits offered by various regions in the U.S. and abroad to encourage film/TV production in that region. These incentives came about in the U.S. in the 1990s in response to the flight of movie productions to countries such as Canada. Today they are offered around the world, including several states in the U.S. such as California, New York, Louisiana, New Mexico, Virginia, Georgia and Ohio; and abroad including Canada, Australia, and the U.K. Continue reading →

Remembering Candi

candi portraitIn December 2014, Local 47 lost one of the most loyal, hard-working, and sweet employees we’ve ever known.

Longtime computer systems administrator Candi Busapavanij passed away peacefully at her home during the night of Dec. 16, 2014. Her sudden loss was a sudden shock to us all, as she had been responding well to cancer treatment and planning to return to the Local in the spring. Just a few days before, friends described her as feeling happy, active and energetic. Continue reading →

Final Note: Gabriel Sampson Williams Sr.

Gabriel WilliamsLife Member. Drums
5/16/1912 – 2/20/2015

by the Williams family

Gabriel Williams was the youngest of four children born to Benjamin and Mamie Williams (siblings: Edina, Faye, and Benjamin Jr.). This date, May 16, 1912 was earmarked as a “great event” in the Williams’ household. He was a warm and considerate child, and grew into a kind, hardworking adult. Continue reading →

Final Note: Harold ‘Hal’ Clifford Poffenroth

Note TreeLife Member. String Bass
12/25/1919 – 2/26/2015

By the Poffenroth family

Hal was born on Christmas day in 1919 in Endicott Washington to John and Mae Poffenroth. Mae, was also born on Christmas day. Hal always said, “If it’s good enough for Jesus it’s good enough for me.” Continue reading →

Musicians Applaud AB 1199 as Positive Step Forward for Improving CA’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program

adrin nazarian

AB 1199 author Adrin Nazarian, Assemblymember, California District 46

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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LOS ANGELES, CA (MARCH 30, 2015) — Thousands of California musicians suffering from the effects of runaway production are encouraged by a new bill that aims to close loopholes relating to music scoring in the California Film and Television Job Retention Act.

AB 1199, authored by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, introduces language that would for the first time require a specified amount of the total expenditures relating to music post-production be done in California in order for a production to qualify for an added rebate. Musicians applaud this preliminary language as a significant step in the right direction, and are optimistic that further development of the bill will continue to improve upon the existing tax credit program as it relates to music scoring in California. Continue reading →

Happy Birthday to Us! Local 47 turns 118

1941_11 Nov - 47 is 47_Page_1

On March 15, 2015, Local 47 turns 118. To celebrate, here’s a look back at the humble beginnings of the musicians union of Los Angeles.

While searching the Local’s archives last month we stumbled upon the November 1941 issue of the Overture which featured an article by former president C. L. Bagley titled “47 is 47: Local No. 47 Has a Birthday.” Therein Bagley described in detail some interesting historical aspects of the very beginnings of our union, much of which is shared in this post. Click on the images in this post to view scans of the original documents.

On March 15, 1897, Local 47’s charter and affiliation was approved by the American Federation of Musicians. This monumental day marked the end of a long struggle musicians in Los Angeles who tried, then failed, and ultimately succeeded in effectively organizing with the union we belong to today. Continue reading →

Next ‘Star Wars’ Film to Score in Los Angeles for the First Time in Franchise History

starwars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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LOS ANGELES, CA (MARCH 24, 2015) — The Force is with Los Angeles musicians: For the first time in the film saga’s history, the musical score to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be recorded in Los Angeles by members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

Composer John Williams—himself a Life Member of Local 47—is currently at work writing the music for this seventh installment in the “Star Wars” franchise. Williams has composed the music for every film in the series since its 1977 debut. While previous films were scored at Abbey Road with the London Symphony Orchestra, “The Force Awakens” marks the first time a “Star Wars” score will be recorded in the United States. Continue reading →