Members of Congress and leaders within Hollywood are using a newly published economic study to bolster their arguments for a federal tax credit that would incentivize film and television productions in the United States.
The study, conducted by Olsberg SPI on behalf of the Motion Picture Association, found that a federal film and television tax credit would result in major economic benefits for the nation while increasing the share of global productions made in the U.S.
The report shows the national economy, with the incentive, would gain $249.1 billion in total gross value added between 2027 and 2035 and that more than 143,500 additional full-time jobs in the entertainment industry would be added across all 50 states per year over those eight years. Also, the U.S. would account for 65% of global productions by 2035. The current rate is 39%.
The study’s findings are based on the assumption that the incentive takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027, should Congress pass such legislation by the end of the year. MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin is optimistic about that outcome, given President Donald Trump’s support for the tax credit in recent weeks.
The issue is gaining traction on both sides of the aisle, with Reps. Laura Friedman (D-CA) and Brian Jack (R-GA) spearheading the bill. Jack teased an announcement later this week, suggesting the bill could be introduced in Congress soon.
The bill, which Trump coined the “Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act” on Truth Social, is expected to include a 20% transferable federal tax credit that can be added on top of existing state-level incentives. Olsberg SPI, an international creative industries consultancy, based its economic analysis on the proposed 20% rate.
“This study tells us that we can bring more opportunities to life for people in all 50 states who bring great stories to life — the casts and crews, the set builders, construction workers, truck drivers, caterers, and more,” Rivkin said in a statement Tuesday. “That’s precisely what’s bringing President Trump, Republicans and Democrats in Congress, studios and unions and all of us together: the need to leave a positive and enduring imprint on American creativity and America’s economy.”
The new study was revealed during a virtual press conference attended by Rivkin, Friedman, Jack, U.S. Special Ambassador to Hollywood Jon Voight, Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin, and others.
Voight was instrumental in convincing Trump to get behind the bipartisan bill. Many of the guest panelists on the call credited Voight for his behind-the-scenes role in pushing along the legislation.
“He took that ambassador title very seriously once it was granted unto him,” Jack said of the 87-year-old actor. “I’ve seen a lot of special ambassadors not do much with the title, but he has done more than any I’ve seen before.”
Jack has taken a particular interest in leading the bill because his congressional district is home to Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia. The film studio is known for hosting the productions of several Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and television shows.
The congressman acknowledged many Marvel productions have left in recent years for countries, including the United Kingdom, that offer more competitive incentives than the U.S.
Similarly, Friedman represents a district that covers a large portion of the Hollywood region. Before she was elected to the House in 2024, Friedman spent more than 20 years working as a film and television producer.
“When we talk about production leaving the country, we’re not talking about movie stars. We’re not talking about abstract large companies,” she said. “We’re talking about our neighbors. We’re talking about the people who live and are supported by the economy in so many of our cities and states.”
The tax credit, if approved, would extend well beyond the heart of the U.S. entertainment industry in California and apply to multiple industries in other states that have sizable production ecosystems.
“This is not an LA program. This is not a California program,” Friedman said. “This is for Georgia, New Mexico, Illinois, Louisiana, and every single state. They all win.”
Dozens of countries have national incentives to attract film and television productions away from the United States. A federal tax credit would allow the U.S. to get in the game, so to speak.
However, there are some objections to the effort. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) has expressed reservations about the federal government subsidizing Hollywood when the nation is steeped in deficit spending. Other critics have labeled the tax credit a “handout.”
Astin, the SAG-AFTRA president, dismissed those concerns while pointing to the projected economic benefits that the tax credit will bring.
“These kinds of incentives are offered across all different kinds of industries,” he said. “To trade on the idea that Hollywood is somehow morally beneath the consideration of a government is really insulting to the 143,000 jobs per year.”
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In light of these concerns, it remains to be seen whether the legislation will receive enough bipartisan support in Congress to pass. Its proponents are hopeful.
The study’s release was accompanied by the U.S. Film and TV Production Coalition’s formation. Members of the coalition include Voight and various groups representing the entertainment industry.