Trump-Backed Candidate Joins Call for Unlimited Film and TV Incentive

Key Points:

• Steve Hilton, endorsed by Trump and running for California governor, proposed eliminating the $750 million cap on state film and TV production subsidies to combat Hollywood's decline, calling it an emergency after 16 years of Democratic governance.
• Hilton's plan aims to increase incentives to 60% by combining state and federal rebates, including above-the-line salaries for key creative roles, and he has engaged with industry stakeholders and Trump allies to support the initiative.
• Critics, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Democratic candidate Tom Steyer, have labeled Hilton's proposal unrealistic or harmful, with Steyer emphasizing opposition to major studio mergers and Mahan questioning Hilton's credibility.
• Georgia remains the only major production hub with an uncapped tax credit, covering 30% of costs, while California's larger industry currently offers 35%-40% subsidies limited by the cap; Hilton argues higher incentives are needed to retain and attract production jobs.
• Hilton is currently the leading Republican gubernatorial candidate in California and is favored to advance to the November runoff election.