Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538122
4 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2025 • Broader workforce development access, allowing more nonprofits to participate and open doors for the next generation of film workers This is a landmark moment not only for union members, but also for small businesses, freelancers, and local economies that depend on a strong, vibrant production industry. "United we bargain, divided we beg." The passage of AB 1138 is a win for all of us, a recognition that our work drives a multi-billion-dollar industry. It's also a reminder: Our organizing matters. Our solidarity matters. Let's thank Assemblymember Rick Zbur, Sen. Ben Allen, and Gov, Gavin Newsom, whose leadership helped push this bill through. But more importantly, let's thank each other—the crews that show up early, stay late, and pour their skill into every frame. You are the reason the show goes on. As we enter this new chapter, we must remain committed to fighting for fair wages, safe conditions, and continued recognition of our value. Your letters, your voices, and your commitment made a real difference. By reaching out to assemblymembers, sharing your stories, and showing your support, you helped putting our crews back to work. A special thank-you goes to the members who traveled to Sacramento to speak directly to lawmakers on behalf of all of us: Angela Moos, Kelcey Fry, Patrice Madrigal, Julie Socash, and our dedicated Local members who helped us amplify our story and make our voices heard. You showed the legislature what solidarity looks like and why our work matters, and with this bill signed and funding in place as of July, the future looks brighter and it's time to get our members back to work. In solidarity, Cheryl Eckert A Tribute to Film Workers and a Major Win for Our Future In the film and television world, glamour often grabs the headlines, but the real magic is made behind the scenes. We don't walk the red carpet— we lay it. We light the scenes, build the sets, pull the cables, hold the boom, design the costumes, and call the shots, and behind every make-up brush and hair comb is an artist. These are the hands, the hearts, and the hard hats of our industry. We are the crew. We are a union. And now, we're being heard. A legislative win that puts us first, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC), our voices have helped drive meaningful changes at the state level. With the passage of Assembly Bill 1138, California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program has been modernized and expanded in ways that directly benefit our workforce. What AB 1138 means for our industry: It brings bold updates to the film tax credit program, helping to retain and attract productions while protecting union jobs. Key provisions include: • A new base tax credit of 35%, including for independent productions • Expanded eligibility for half-hour series, animation, and large-scale competition shows • A per-production cap raised to $120 million • Increased incentives (up to 45%) for filming in California, outside Los Angeles, benefiting communities statewide • A tripling of funding for independent film—from $26 million to $75 million LOCAL PERSPECTIVE by Cheryl Eckert Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Cyl E Cyl E e r t