Gov. Brown signals support for tax incentive deal for film industry

CALIFORNIA -- In an attempt to stop the flow of film industry jobs out of California and into other states and countries, Gov. Jerry Brown has signaled his support for a bill that would more than triple the funding for the state's Film and Television Tax Credit Program.

AB 1839 will "put thousands of Californians to work," Gov. Brown said.

The funding for the program, which offers incentives to film within the state, would increase to $330 million a year over the next five years. The state currently allocates $100 million per year.

The deal would also make room for more projects to qualify and would provide extra incentives for projects to shoot in California locals other than Los Angeles. In addition, tax credits will be allocated to projects depending on how many jobs they create instead of the current lottery system by which funds are now divided.

The Senate is expected to approve the deal this week. Key players in the negotiation include Gov. Brown, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senate President Pro Tem-elect Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles).

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