SAG-AFTRA is throwing its support behind the Motion Picture, Television and Entertainment Revitalization Act, a bill introduced in the Senate today that would create the first-ever federal tax incentives for film and television production. 

“The bipartisan support for this bill has me optimistic that we will, at long last, get a federal tax incentive that will make us competitive with the rest of the world,” SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said “Many producers would rather film in the United States, with its deep pool of talent, but find it difficult to do so due to the financial realities, and they end up taking their productions overseas. I am hopeful that this bill is the first step in reversing that trend and safeguarding good jobs here at home. Thank you to Sens. Scott and Schiff, as well as Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Jack and Friedman, for making this happen.”

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, “SAG-AFTRA has lobbied for a federal incentive for years, and this legislation is coming none too soon. We will be fighting hard to get this bill through, and members will have a key role to play in advocating its passage with their representatives. My appreciation goes out to all the members of Congress leading  this effort.”