Story perspectives

Hilton Proposes 60% Film Credit, $750M Cap Removal, Democrats Back

5/2/2026

Summary

Hilton Proposes Credit

Steve Hilton, a Trump-endorsed Republican, proposed removing the $750 million cap and raising the credit to 60 % for some productions.
His plan would expand the credit to cover both below-the-line and above-the-line costs, including salaries.
Democratic candidates Matt Mahan and Tom Steyer also back eliminating the $750 million cap.
Hilton aims to pair the state credit with a federal incentive from President Donald Trump’s administration for a combined 60 % rebate.

Summary

Hilton Challenges Incentives

FilmLA reported soundstage occupancy stayed steady in the first half of 2025 but remained below a decade ago.
FilmLA data showed on-location production in Los Angeles County dropped 16.1% in 2025.
The agency said California’s revamped tax incentive sparked on-location growth in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Hilton argued that rigid application windows, categories and limited access for smaller productions push projects to regions with faster, simpler, uncapped incentive systems.

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Hilton Proposes Credit

Steve Hilton, a Trump-endorsed Republican, proposed removing the $750 million cap and raising the credit to 60 % for some productions.
His plan would expand the credit to cover both below-the-line and above-the-line costs, including salaries.
Democratic candidates Matt Mahan and Tom Steyer also back eliminating the $750 million cap.
Hilton aims to pair the state credit with a federal incentive from President Donald Trump’s administration for a combined 60 % rebate.

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