In a recent statement, California gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton criticized state leaders for pushing Hollywood jobs out of California, as Paramount considers relocating. Hilton attributes this exodus to the state’s high costs and stringent regulations, claiming that around 51,000 film jobs have vanished in just three years, with productions moving to more affordable states like Texas and Georgia.
This criticism arises as a legal dispute unfolds between Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison and California Attorney General Rob Bonta over a proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. “Paramount’s eyeing the exit, and our stunt performers and crews are already packing for Texas and Atlanta because the bureaucracy has made it cheaper to film elsewhere,” Hilton expressed on X, sharing a video where he converses with veteran stuntman Sam Maloof.
Hilton emphasized his commitment to revitalizing Hollywood, stating, “I’m going to Bring Hollywood Home with real incentives and less red tape. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.”
In response to the growing concerns, California has invested significantly in efforts to retain Hollywood, recently boosting its annual film and television tax credit from $330 million to $750 million last July. Moreover, Governor Gavin Newsom just signed legislation to keep more post-production jobs, such as editing and visual effects, within the state’s borders. Starting next year, studios can claim tax credits ranging from 35% to 50% for qualifying expenses in California, even if the productions took place elsewhere.
The video shared by Hilton features Maloof discussing the challenges of securing work in California, noting many colleagues have already relocated. “All my friends who are stunt performers and coordinators are now in Texas or Atlanta,” he revealed. Maloof, a stuntman for major films like “Mission: Impossible” and “The Fast and the Furious,” lamented the shift in the industry as projects increasingly opt for local crews rather than traveling talent.
Despite his successes, Maloof expressed concerns for the future; he and his family are featured in the Netflix series “Drive Hard: The Maloof Way,” which focuses on cars and stunt driving. As he put it, “We want another season out of that, but it’s slim pickings now because they’re moving out of the state. So what can we do to try to bring Hollywood back?”
Hilton labeled the departure of entertainment jobs from Los Angeles a “crime,” emphasizing the significance of the film and television industries in the region. “It’s a crime what they’ve let happen to let all those jobs go to other states and other countries. It’s an absolute crime,” he expressed.
This dialogue coincides with ongoing negotiations between Paramount Skydance and California officials regarding a lawsuit that challenges the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. In July, Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 11 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit arguing that the merger could harm competition within the industry. Although Ellison has warned of potential relocation, Paramount has yet to make a formal announcement. Notably, recent talks suggest progress towards resolving the antitrust concerns.
