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Additionally, the costs of filming in California have become prohibitively high due to union fees, location charges, permits, and safety regulations. This has encouraged productions to seek cheaper locations with favorable tax incentives, contributing to the industry’s geographic redistribution.
The Tax Incentive Arms Race
The competition among states for film and television dollars is fierce—and costly. Since the early 2000s, states have spent over $25 billion on incentives. The goal: attract Hollywood productions to boost local economies, create jobs, and develop infrastructure.