Ben Affleck lamented the erosion of California's film production stronghold at the premiere of The Accountant 2, citing the state's uncompetitive tax incentives as a major culprit. The actor-turned-director expressed his concern that skilled technicians are leaving the state, which could have long-term consequences for the industry.
"This is why you see a lot of these huge movies shoot in the UK," Affleck said in an interview with the Associated Press. "They're offering better exchange rates, better tax incentives. They're making it worth their while to come and shoot there." The UK's more attractive incentives have led to a significant increase in international productions shooting on its soil, with many big-budget films opting to relocate rather than face the higher costs of filming in California.
Affleck attributed California's struggles to the state's complacency, suggesting that officials took the film industry for granted and didn't fully appreciate its value. "I think California got a little too comfortable," he said. "They didn't realize how much they were losing until it was too late." While Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed raising the state's tax incentive cap, Affleck believes it's not enough to keep productions from fleeing to more attractive locations.
The actor also highlighted the success of other states in luring productions away from California. "Georgia, New Mexico, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are all offering these great incentives," he said. "It's hard for California to compete with that." Affleck's concerns are echoed by many in the industry, who fear that the exodus of productions could have a lasting impact on the state's economy and reputation as a hub for film and television production.