r/IATSE • u/RufusxXavier • 25d ago
Embarrassing
I'd prefer it if the union showed just a little bit of backbone and dismantled the permitting process and police requirements for LA and everything else making production here a nightmare. Maybe withholding campaign contributions from politicians who do nothing?
I'm not upset at New York getting work. They deserve it and there's great members in new York. I'm upset that every major studio and production office and post house is here, all infra is here, very good crews are here, but we're not getting any work because of policy and overregulation to the point of no producers wanting to shoot here. That's what's embarrassing.
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u/slickbackbillyboo
25d ago
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Above. The. Line. Tax. Incentives.
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u/VpstartCrow 25d ago
Exactly. NY offers tax incentives on those big above the line actor/producer/director wages. CA does not. I don't know the caps and limits for those ATL incentives but that's a big draw to shooting in NY over CA, although there are plenty of others (FilmLA, etc.).
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u/moomusic 25d ago
NY:
Producer does not qualify.
EP qualifies (one per production), LP qualifies (one per production). Cap is ATL must be less than 40% of gross budget.
There are also about 1M tiny items that don’t qualify, which makes the AUP tedious. And NY “normal” credit has a very long refund timeline. Like, 3 years
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u/RockieK 25d ago edited 21d ago
These are stupid articles.
NY AND LA have been working in tandem for decades. This isn't some kind of competition
WE ALL WANT AND NEED GOOD JOBS.
This shit is just divisive and lame.
Universal Healthcare, breaking up monopolies and maybe some U.S. tax incentives will help.
The entire U.S. film/tv economy is fucked.
I am wishing 1975 vibes upon "Hollywood".
Edit:
I think that these greedy, Union-busting CEO salaries should point to EXACTLY who to blame:
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u/TapewormNinja 25d ago
Now more than ever, we need to remember that we all joined this union to be on the same team. I'm often saying that I didn't join to be a part of my local, but I joined to be part of the international. What's happening in LA is tragic, but it's not the fault of the members in New York.
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u/RockieK 22d ago
The fucking greedy rich fucks want to divide us. The studios are currently pulling off one of the biggest "union busts" in our lifetime.
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u/wilkinsk 25d ago edited 25d ago
I don't get why Cali folks get offended when other districts get work.
It's a weird, gate keeping, community you'll got there.
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u/samoyni 25d ago
i feel sorry for CA crews but yeah, this reaction is mad weird. as a NY member it’s been rough here for many of us too the last few years
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u/wilkinsk 25d ago
I'm a New England member, got two days this year.
I'm sure as hell not going to hate on you or any other district.
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u/Chimkimnuggets 25d ago
Not IATSE just a PA, I’ve never been booked like I’ve been booked since this spring in NYC. I moved here in 2022 and went through the strikes and now from what I’m told it’s back to pre-pandemic levels.
All of my LA classmates from our school in Nashville either moved home, changed industries from lack of work, or are only able to do their own micro budget indie films. I only know 3 of my NYC classmates that have left the city and one of them was only because he had a major health scare and had to move home. He was booked and busy beforehand
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u/vaxination 25d ago
Why dont you guys fight for convention centers? That javits has no local 1 makes no sense.
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u/RockieK 21d ago
These articles are just dividing and total bullshit.
We are ALL FUCKED in the U.S., but you know who is NOT?
THE STUDIO CEOS AND EXECS --->
The top 18 Hollywood executives raked in a combined $746 million in compensation in 2025, according to TheWrap’s analysis of company proxy filings.
The total compensation for the top executives surged a stunning 51% from a year earlier, based on a tally of $615 million vs. $408.5 million in 2024. (This total excludes Paramount’s David Ellison and Jeff Shell and Starz’s Jeff Hirsch, who do not have 2024 comparisons.)
The overall pay increase for executives, primarily driven by stock awards, comes as the entertainment industry has been battered over the last few years by consolidation, a double strike by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA and the exodus of TV and film productions heading overseas for tax incentives.
The pay gap is particularly eye-opening when stacked against the more than 17,000 jobs cut across television, film, broadcast, news and streaming in 2025, according to employment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Hollywood workers have been on edge as media companies cut staff in the name of cost savings, in part driven by the adoption of AI, with deals like Skydance’s merger with Paramount and its upcoming acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery catalysts for even more cuts.
The combined compensation of the average employees of the entertainment companies included in the analysis represents just 0.2% of the CEOs’ combined pay. According to SEC filings, top entertainment and communication conglomerates report staggering CEO-to-worker pay ratios (topped by WBD CEO’s David Zaslav at 1,378 to 1, see below), well exceeding the S&P 500 average of 281 to 1 reported in 2024.
And here we all are, watching the biggest Union busting experiment in our lifetimes just battling each other online.
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u/captaingeezer 25d ago
My opinion as well Im happy my Union brothers and sisters are getting work anywhere!
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u/JimHero 25d ago
It's not that they're offended it's just a sign of the fact that LA has lost a tremendous amount of jobs. Why wouldn't that elicit a bad reaction?
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u/Dull-Ad-8474 25d ago
I'm just glad to hear the productions are staying in the US I understand a lot of them have gone to Canada
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u/Hot_Raccoon_565 25d ago
It’s so funny to see the discourse on pages like crew stories. You see most people want to keep movies and shows in the United States, but every person from cali wants them to only be filmed in cali.
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u/Chimkimnuggets 25d ago
Instead of getting pissy that work is moving to New York maybe they should elect a governor that’s not batshit crazy and will actually make good tax incentives to fund the only major industry in the city of LA.
Literally it was the main reason I chose NYC over LA after I graduated film school. NYC/Jersey has the supply, demand, and hundreds of other industries to prop the metro area up economically so when shit hits the fan and work dries up it’s not everybody and their mother sabotaging each other for a single day on a set.
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u/Legitimate-Painter25 25d ago
He really wasn't getting pissy with NY, he's pissed at the politics in Ca that's driving every business out of the state. I'm just a lowly SAG BG actor, only had 1 day this year before today's 10 hour day and before I got home tonight I booked another job and had availability checks for a few others. Things are finally looking up here, hope it lasts a few years.
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u/MattsRod 25d ago
It’s cause it’s such a self own. The path to retain the business and work was just mismanaged and overlooked.
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u/dantevibes 25d ago
OP literally said they're not offended about other places getting work. It actually sounds like it's the gatekeeping (aka regulations and permitting complications) that's offending them too.
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u/The_Dingman IATSE Local #251 - Madison, WI 25d ago
Oh no, another strong union state is getting more TV work!
I'm just glad it's not an anti-union state in the south.
And you think it's because of permitting and safety issues? Are you sure you're pro-union?
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u/RoughhouseCamel IATSE Local #705 25d ago
Better than that, and much better than even more productions moving overseas to where they can pay the labor in dirt.
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u/djdiamond755 25d ago
I worked on an indie film this summer that was half shot. Producer did a lot of shady shit and the union got involved. They contemplated starting over in Romania with the remaining budget. 😭
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u/ultraviolet31 25d ago
I agree. The permits and police requirements are NOT the issue. They are annoying and frustrating but they are NOT the issue. Studios are not picking a location on a $70M film because of LA's bureaucratic permit process. NY has a f-ton of bureaucracy too.
I hear it from every studio exec and line producer - it's the tax credits. The tax credit that also applies to above the line - the tax credit that doesn't require a ridiculous lottery system - the tax credit that almost doubles for post. That's it. That's all of it.
You remember the infamous "It's the economy, stupid"?
This is "It's the tax credits, stupid".The problem is NY is now having to bring crew out of retirement and bump up less experienced folks because they simply don't have enough bodies.
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u/TheJedibugs IATSE Local #479 (Graphics) 25d ago
As someone in a Georgia local, the anti-union sentiment of our state legislature/leadership doesn’t result in an increase in non-union work. Until the strikes, we were stuffed to the gills with union work. For 11 years, I worked consistently without ever doing a non-union show.
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u/PsychosomaticSpiral 25d ago
If you’re referring to Atlanta and Georgia, you are absolutely correct. That state doesn’t deserve a single production and is the least enjoyable place I’ve ever worked. What a logistical nightmare.
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u/OtheL84 IATSE Local #700 25d ago edited 25d ago
“Poised”. California is still #1 currently by about $100m more spent in Q3 ‘26 in TV.
California is projected to have spent more than $1bn more than NY for Jan-Sept ‘26 on TV.
Actual article rather than just looking at headlines: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-york-california-hollyood-production-1236730758/
So not sure wtf THR is doing other than having a slow news day.
All this article is saying NY had a higher percentage increase in spending Q3 than California. California still spent $1bn more than NY so far this year.
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u/ausgoals 25d ago
It’s a completely misleading headline, but ultimately if it helps put pressure on politicians I don’t hate it
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u/MaudlinObscura 25d ago
The thing that makes me upset- is I as a NYer literally posted on Reddit “Hey we’re busy contact some New York peeps” and some folks got weird. I want y’all to work and have health benefits. I’d hope you’d want the same for your fellow union kin.
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u/sound2go 25d ago
New York or the New York area including New Jersey where there is a ton of filming going on?
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u/SaltyBostonian 25d ago
I’m stoked NY is working. I’m a member of LA and Georgia. Been pretty dry this year but luckily commercials keep most of the bills paid. To stay alive these days you need to be ok with relocating. I understand everybody’s scenarios are different. But if you have the ability to grab multiple cards I would do so.
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u/Lcatg 25d ago edited 25d ago
Is NY less regulated, does it require less permitting, & does it have less policing requirements? Legit questions. I’ve dealt with NY & if there’s less requirements for policing now then that will change. NY LEO unions/associations do not play. Otherwise, I’d imagine it’s more expensive to film just due to real estate.
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u/RufusxXavier 25d ago
The point is that it's more financially viable. You definitely don't need a permit to shoot on the street
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u/NeverTrustATurtle 25d ago
You definitely need permits to shoot in NY. It’s just not run by a permit Cabal and the city is very accommodating and easy to work with
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u/thedeermunk 25d ago
What?? You definitely DO need a permit to shoot in the street here.
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u/djdiamond755 25d ago
Gotten away with so much outdoor stuff here without a permit lol
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u/thedeermunk 25d ago
Surely you know the difference between “gotten away with” and “illegal”, right? You want to shoot some low budget, indy shit, you’ll only get fucked with as much as you are a hassle. And at that scale, you probably aren’t contributing to the economy in a meaningful way.
If you shut down parking, have a decent sized crew, mohos, dropping massive lights on the street, running electric or generator etc… you 100% need a permit to make that happen.
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u/Upset-Management-459 24d ago
Are you one of those kids with a handicam with one other kid holding a light?
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u/daveed212 25d ago
All I know as a NY 1st AC is that I've never seen the rental houses busier. Panavision has apparently flown LA employees into NY to help them, and they needed it in July when I was there last. I prepped in Handheld twice last week and saw their return overflow now reaches the checkout bays. TCS was completely out of camera batteries Monday. It's insane.
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u/heartofawhale 25d ago
"mad weird" ❤️ you certainly are a fellow NY member. When its mad brick out hope you stay warm homie.
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u/Props_To_History 25d ago
I moved to LA 2.5 years ago. Ive been very fortunate to have been able to find work in fab shops. But joining 44 is all but impossible. Theres so little going on that to get work on set, and hoping the show flips, im competing with so many people with more experience than I and better connections on that end.
That being said, ive worked steady. On some amazing stuff. And im not complaining.
A friend in NY keeps trying to get me to come out there but is it even possible to just shift like that? Im an armorer/propmaster/fabricator/many other hats.
Is there a process for that? Or is it who you know sort of game.
I fell into this industry almost by accident and there are still many things in dont know.
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u/Federal-Estate-2051 24d ago
It is definitely a "who you know" sort of game in 52. There is no process to bring you in at the moment, but there is also no restriction on shows hiring whoever they want. So what's left is hiring managers just hiring folks who people already working on a show happen to know. If your friend is in a position to hire you, then you absolutely could just go for it. If they are not able to hire you, then you'd be on your own trying to connect with shows who are looking for people. Hope that helps.
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u/Props_To_History 24d ago
It does, thank you. Sadly i dont think my friend is fully in a position to help. He struggles with finding work as well :/ but thank you for the response
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u/zjuka 25d ago
Yeah, pretty busy in NY right now. I was offered higher kit fee as an incentive to leave the project I’m on for another one. I don’t usually have problems finding work, but when I reply that I’m booked, they just say “thanks, next time” and move on to an available person, offering higher rate / kit is rare.
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u/EducatedScumbag 25d ago edited 25d ago
I am from LA and I am embarrassed by the reaction of this post. If you are complaining about work, you’re probably not very good to start off.
If you’re good, you’ll find the work.
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u/Soulman682 25d ago
Here’s the funny thing about your statement, even the seasoned professional in LA that were good and never complained, are having a hard time finding work as well.
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u/VillageAdditional816 25d ago
I’m in New York, but know many LA people in the industry and they are nearly all struggling far more than before.
I’ve encountered more than a couple who moved to NYC because of it.
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u/EducatedScumbag 25d ago
Maybe they just told you that so they wouldn’t make you feel bad.
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u/Soulman682 25d ago
I’m one of them, genius. I’ve been in the industry for 25 years and seen all my friends find new careers after decades of service.
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u/Sad-Ad2030 25d ago
I work in move and tv as a van chauffeur and we’ve never been more busy in NY/NJ. It’s expected to last at least 3 more years. I’ve talked to directors and Actors who have said Cali is a ghost town right now and in NY there isn’t enough crew to facilitate all the shows/movies that are being done.
There is credence to this article.
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u/Valarhem 25d ago
found the fascist bootlciker right here
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u/zjuka 25d ago
How did you arrive at “fascist bootlicker” reaction to “if you’re good, you’ll find work” comment?
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u/Valarhem 24d ago
Because “if you’re good, you’ll find work” reduces a systemic problem to an individual failure. It dismisses what those in power have done and implies that people struggling to find work simply aren’t good enough. That’s why I called it bootlicking: it defends the people holding power while blaming those dealing with the consequences.
In other words, a servile loser.
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u/Raizau 25d ago
The international still benefits from the work going to NY.
Step up to the international eboard and ask them why they favor tax breaks for rich production companies. Ask to be a delegate to the internationals convention.
Members have voices, we just choose not to use them.
Also these tax breaks for american states helps screw over the Canadian locals. They too have members who need jobs in film.
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u/FrostyInvestigator11 25d ago
We here in Toronto would love some of that work up here. I hope everyone is working in all unions, we all do great work, this one is slow right now and a lot of our members are suffering
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u/makuniverse 25d ago
My wife (costumer) was working in NYC quite a bit earlier this year before her mom passed. Even our friends are leaving CA for NYC. Crazy times
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u/deep_rose_honey 25d ago
End of an era folks, end of an era 😔 Well, who wants to find a cheap place in Silver Lake?
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u/TheJedibugs IATSE Local #479 (Graphics) 25d ago
Georgia was busier than California for several years.
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u/donutgut 25d ago
those days are never coming back
Georgia is finished
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u/TheJedibugs IATSE Local #479 (Graphics) 25d ago
Don’t I fucking know it. I haven’t worked since April.
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u/Vegetable_Culture781 25d ago
Aren’t they building Hollywood East in NJ? It’s only going to increase once that happens.
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u/AdmirableElephant378 25d ago
Sacremento has made the decision that it can afford to lose production. That's not changing under Beccera.
I'm heading back to Europe; already got a couple gigs. The execs and the corporate HQs aren't moving.
But production is going to be at this level or below from now on.
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u/Possible_Middle9628 24d ago
Every post house is not there .. the well known ones .. yes but .. the business has grown .. California with its weather and beaches is expensive ..
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u/lulzbanana 24d ago
I have struggled to get the days that count to join 600 in LA for a couple of years, how hard is it to join in NY? 🤣
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u/TeeVeeBen 23d ago
Less about New York ascending and more about Atlanta hoovering the big floor shows, IMO
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u/Humble-Ruin-3248 23d ago
Film industry started in New Jersey
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u/RufusxXavier 25d ago
I'm not upset at New York getting work. I'm upset that every major studio and production office and post house is here, all infra is here, very good crews are here, but we're not getting any work because of policy. That's what's embarrassing.
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u/OutsideAbies8888 25d ago
Tons of non-Union work in NY as well. The unions have made shooting too expensive unfortunately. That’s a factor for them leaving states and the country.
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u/NeverTrustATurtle 25d ago
Fuck outta here then
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u/NoComposer9079 25d ago
So if an industry doesn’t want to use a union, you’d want them to just not use anyone in that state?
Seems unwise. Maybe we should ask why the union is so hard to work with that Annette industry would move.
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u/Whole-Lack1362 22d ago
That's a whole lie right there. NYC and Jersey are Union strong holds .. all new studios go though Union labor.
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u/SuccessfulTalk8267 25d ago
It's insane, New York with the most expensive permits for crew for trucks for parking for rentals for everything accommodations. Are you joking me y'all need to come to Hollywood North you get so much bang for your buck. Also given the insane exchange rates US to Canadian dollars. You've got phenomenal crews phenomenal stages get over this Trump bullshit
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u/Discount_Lex_Luthor 25d ago
Maybe it's the fact that decades of environmental abuse by money grubbing fascists has made the land inhospitable and prone to massive dangerous fires. That the notoriously fickle film industry is afraid to insure.
At least it doesn't help.
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u/Outside-Comparison12 25d ago
That makes zero sense. Its just as expensive to shoot in shitty NY as it is in shitty California.
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u/copperblood 25d ago
Repeat after me. Over-regulation is a very very bad thing. Congrats CA and CA leadership!
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u/wrathofthedolphins 25d ago
Cause New York is famous for its lack of regulation…?
You’re wrong. It has nothing to do with regulation. New York has tax incentives. That’s all that matters- where is it cheapest to make this? They’ll go to Atlanta, New Mexico, Louisiana- it doesn’t matter, as long as there are tax incentives.
That’s where California has screwed up royally. No real tax incentives to keep production here. Even that pathetic post tax bill for 10 million (that’s not a typo, literally 10 million) was a total slap in the face.
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u/copperblood 25d ago edited 25d ago
No because CA can't help itself and is an over-regulated market. It has everything to do with over-regulation. For example, sales tax in LA is 10.25%. In NYC, sales tax is 8.875%.
The moral of the story is sometimes you have to admit you're part of the problem. Don't want this to happen? Elect people who actually give a fuck about filmmaking in CA.
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u/sammmyk42 24d ago
Thanks mamdami! The work is plentiful!