Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538315
L E T T E R THIS SUMMER, GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNED INTO LAW A SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF CALIFORNIA'S FILM AND TELEVISION TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM—AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, ANIMATION WAS INCLUDED. This is a solid win for our Union and our industry. But it didn't happen by accident. When the original proposal to expand the existing $330 million incentive was introduced, animation was not part of the plan. That changed because our members took action. Thanks to the tireless work of our Animation Tax Incentive Task Force—who made repeated trips to Sacramento to lobby lawmakers—and through our coordinated efforts with IATSE's California IATSE Council (CIC) and the broader Entertainment Union Coalition (which includes unions, studios, producers, vendors, and agencies), we made the case: animation deserves to be recognized as a vital part of California's entertainment economy. And lawmakers listened. While we celebrate this milestone, we also know the work isn't done. The current budget tiers—$1 million minimum budget per episode for series and for independent features—are too high to benefit most of the animation projects made today. To truly make this incentive meaningful for our industry, we need additional provisions that reflect the reality of animation budgets. Still, this victory proves something powerful—showing up matters. When we get involved, when we advocate for our craft and our jobs, we can change policy. We can bring work back to California. This was a first step. If we stick together and continue to push, I know we can get what we need for a healthy, sustainable animation industry. In Solidarity, Jeanette Moreno King | President The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 SHOWING UP MATTERS ON THE COVER Photographer Tim Sullens captured the playful side of Genndy Tartakovsky who is joined here by his fictional creation, Bull, from his new movie Fixed.