Attachment 1-1
January 29, 2025
The Honorable Sharon Quirk-Silva
Chair, Assembly Budget Sub Committee #5
1021 O Street, Suite 4210
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: CA FILM AND TELEVISION TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
Dear Assemblymember Quirk-Silva,
We, the Burbank City Council, are writing this letter with a unified voice to express our strong support for an increase in funding for the Governor’s Film and Tax Credit Program (Program 4.0). Program 4.0 includes new provisions to improve and support the California film industry, including workforce investments, diversity requirements, and a refund ability provision in order to benefit a wider range of productions and to ensure the competitive program will maximize economic benefits to the state.
The City of Burbank is often referred to as the “Media Capital of the World” and is a central hub for the film and television industry. We are home to several major studios, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, and Nickelodeon, along with hundreds of additional media and entertainment companies.
Burbank has a rich history of film and television production, with shows such as Gilmore Girls, ER, and Desperate Housewives being filmed at locations within the City. Additionally, La La Land, The Office, and Argo filmed scenes at Burbank’s own Smokehouse. Filming in the City is a critical component of the City’s economic, social, and cultural vitality. The economic benefits of filming in California include increased revenue for local businesses, job creation, tax revenue for municipalities, and a general boost to the local economy. Filming in local cities across California also positively benefits tourism, infrastructure, and community pride.
It is critical for California to continue to do its part to support film and television production. With a wide range of diverse filming locations (beaches, deserts, mountains, etc.) and a well-established network of production companies and resources , California must remain a top choice for filming. We urge you to support the Governor’s increase in funding for the California Film & Tax Credit Program to ensure that filming continues to take place in California.
Thank you for considering our perspective in this matter.
Sincerely,
Burbank City Council
Cc: Kyra Emmanuels, Emanuels Jones & Associates
Jennifer Quan, Cal Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager, LA County Division
January 29, 2025
The Honorable Scott Weiner
Chair, Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee
1020 N Street, Room 502
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: CA FILM AND TELEVISION TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
Dear Senator Weiner,
We, the Burbank City Council, are writing this letter with a unified voice to express our strong support for an increase in funding for the Governor’s Film and Tax Credit Program (Program 4.0). Program 4.0 includes new provisions to improve and support the California film industry, including workforce investments, diversity requirements, and a refund ability provision in order to benefit a wider range of productions and to ensure the competitive program will maximize economic benefits to the state.
The City of Burbank is often referred to as the “Media Capital of the World” and is a central hub for the film and television industry. We are home to several major studios, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, and Nickelodeon, along with hundreds of additional media and entertainment companies.
Burbank has a rich history of film and television production, with shows such as Gilmore Girls, ER, and Desperate Housewives being filmed at locations within the City. Additionally, La La Land, The Office, and Argo filmed scenes at Burbank’s own Smokehouse. Filming in the City is a critical component of the City’s economic, social, and cultural vitality. The economic benefits of filming in California include increased revenue for local businesses, job creation, tax revenue for municipalities, and a general boost to the local economy. Filming in local cities across California also positively benefits tourism, infrastructure, and community pride.
It is critical for California to continue to do its part to support film and television production. With a wide range of diverse filming locations (beaches, deserts, mountains, etc.) and a well- established network of production companies and resources, Cal ifornia must remain a top choice for filming. We urge you to support the Governor’s increase in funding for the California Film & Tax Credit Program to ensure that filming continues to take place in California.
Thank you for considering our perspective in this matter.
Sincerely,
Burbank City Council
Cc: Kyra Emmanuels, Emanuels Jones & Associates
Jennifer Quan, Cal Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager, LA County Division
Attachment 1-2