Hollywood Seeks Federal Production Incentive: Study Promises 143,000 Jobs a Year

A new study commissioned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) from consulting firm Olsberg•SPI says a federal incentive for film and television production in the United States would be a game-changer for the American entertainment industry — delivering, according to the model, 143,500 full-time-equivalent jobs a year across the country.

According to the study, a 20% transferable tax credit for qualifying labor spending would generate, over 2027–2035, a $249.1 billion contribution to gross value added, $133.1 billion in additional labor income and $125.3 billion in additional production spending. The economic model aims for the U.S. to capture 65% of global film and television production.

The study was presented on September 16, 2026 by MPA chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin at a virtual press conference attended by actor Jon Voight, special ambassador to Hollywood, Congressmen Brian Jack (R-GA) and Laura Friedman (D-CA), and industry union representatives: Thomas Schlamme (DGA), Matthew D. Loeb (IATSE), Sean O’Brien (Teamsters) and Sean Astin (SAG-AFTRA).

The main driver of the initiative is international competition: 65 countries already have their own incentive programs to lure U.S. productions abroad. As Voight put it, “the entertainment industry I love is in a tough spot, with productions leaving for Canada and overseas because of tax advantages.”

Supporters in Congress argue the benefits go beyond studios. “Every production that goes overseas takes electricians, carpenters, drivers and revenue for small businesses with it,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman. Rivkin added that “a federal incentive would be a game-changer for our industry.”

Source: Advanced Television