Can Steve Hilton Save Hollywood? He Has a Big Film Incentive Plan

Key Points:

• Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton plans to propose a film tax-credit increase in California, potentially raising credits to as high as 60 percent for some productions, significantly above the current 45 percent ceiling.
• Hilton's plan includes removing the $750 million annual cap on credits and allowing incentives for post-production and above-the-line costs, aiming to make California more competitive against states like Georgia with lower production costs.
• To further support the industry, Hilton proposes creating a "Governor’s Expediter" role to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for entertainment shoots and revamping the California Film Commission to speed up credit application processes.
• While Hilton promotes a small-government platform with lower taxes and fewer regulations, the expanded film tax incentives could cost billions, though he plans to offset this by reducing spending elsewhere.
• Hilton has received Donald Trump's endorsement and believes this support could help secure federal film tax credits, but it remains uncertain if a Trump-backed Republican can win in California's predominantly Democratic political landscape.