Steve Hilton criticizes California officials over Hollywood job losses

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has criticized California officials, alleging that high costs and heavy regulations are driving the entertainment industry out of the state. Hilton claims that 51,000 film industry jobs have been lost in the last three years as productions move to states like Texas and Georgia.

The criticism follows threats from Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison to move the company out of California. This comes amid a legal dispute between the state Attorney General and the company regarding its proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.

In response to industry migration, Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation to bolster the local film economy. The new laws aim to retain post-production work, such as editing and visual effects, by offering studios tax credits covering 35% to 50% of qualifying spending. This follows a previous increase in the state’s annual film and television tax credit fund from $330 million to $750 million.