This week, we traveled to Sacramento with over 100 entertainment union and guild members, all part of the Entertainment Union Coalition, to advocate for increased film and TV jobs across our state.
On March 4, we attended an Assembly Budget Subcommittee Hearing that focused on bringing production back to California through the Governor’s proposed expansion of the current incentive program, increasing funding from $330 million annually to $750 million annually.
While Governor Newsom has included this increase in his proposed 2025-2026 budget, this does not mean it is a done deal. Over the next several months, educating state legislators about the dire state of our industry and the significant impact this program has on good, middle-class jobs will be a priority to ensure California remains competitive in the entertainment industry.
Toward the end of the hearing, over 100 union members — including several AFM members and officers — lined up for public comment to share how this program impacts the jobs and livelihoods of industry workers.
Stephanie O’Keefe speaks at the CA Film Tax Credit Informational Hearing in Sacramento
“Traveling to Sacramento and spending two days with officers and members of our fellow entertainment union was absolutely thrilling,” said AFM EUC Coalition Representative, Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. “I have long dreamed of the time when entertainment unions would come together celebrating our power as we create what I consider to be the most valuable product manufactured in the United States: American film and television.”
On Wednesday, our coalition went door-to-door to elected officials’ offices in both the state Assembly and Senate to share our stories and ask for their support in saving the film and television industry in California. What became increasingly clear was that it is the personal stories of our members, the work you do, the passion for your careers, and the concerns for your future, that move our State representatives.
This will be the first of many trips to our State Capitol to push for an expansion of our jobs program this year. California cannot continue to compete with other states and countries without it.
How you can get involved:
1. Sign our pledge to let us know how YOU can get involved in our fight.
2. Find your State Representatives: Soon we’ll be sharing a simple letter to be targeted to our elected officials asking for their support. Make sure you know WHO you will need to be contacting. Click here to find your State Representative
3. Share YOUR story. Take a minute to record a video highlighting WHO you are, WHAT you do and WHY you want to Keep California Rolling. Hashtag #KeepCaliforniaRolling and tag our socials (Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky)
We want to thank all of the coalition union and guild members that joined us this week in Sacramento. We can’t do this without the support and stories of our members. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved.
