Ben Affleck, a well-known filmmaker and actor, is speaking out about the growing problem facing California’s entertainment industry.
During the premiere of The Accountant 2, Affleck expressed serious concerns about the decline in film and television productions within the state, warning that California has “come to take this industry for granted.”
A Shrinking Production Landscape in California
California has long been the heart of the global film industry.
But recent trends reveal a sharp downturn in production.
According to FilmLA, shooting days in the Greater Los Angeles area dropped more than 20% in the first quarter of this year.
Between 2021 and 2024, overall annual film and TV production fell by 58%.
Disruptions like the wildfires in January have contributed to the dip, but the root causes run deeper.
Affleck Blames Tax Incentive Shortfalls
Affleck believes the state’s tax incentive program simply isn’t competitive.
“Other places have better exchange rates or tax rebate deals,” he told the Associated Press.
“These deals are designed to lure the industry because they understand how stimulative it is for local economies.”
He cited examples like England, Georgia, and New Mexico, where incentive programs are more aggressive — with some states offering uncapped rebates.
California’s Response and Affleck’s Take
California has recognized the issue.
Governor Gavin Newsom proposed in October to more than double the state’s tax support from $330 million to around $750 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Still, Affleck argued that the rebate percentages still don’t compete globally.
He highlighted that big-budget movies are increasingly filmed overseas or out of state.
Despite Criticism, Affleck Still Films in LA
Even as he criticized the state’s shortcomings, Affleck hasn’t turned his back on California entirely.
Parts of The Accountant sequel were filmed in Los Angeles.
His upcoming Netflix film Animals was also shot locally.
Still, he acknowledged that “controversial” or not, tax incentives are a major factor influencing production location.
Wider Impact on Workers and Residents
It’s not just about big studios or stars — Affleck emphasized the human cost.
“It’s really the technicians and the crew that make or break your movie,” he said.
“If people move away, that really hurts the industry.”
Between 2021 and 2022 alone, nearly 820,000 people left California — the most of any U.S. state in that timeframe.
Many of them were entertainment professionals seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
Mel Gibson Echoes the Concerns
Affleck’s concerns were mirrored by Mel Gibson, who was recently appointed by former President Trump as a “special envoy” for Hollywood.
In a Fox News interview, Gibson claimed it was cheaper to fly a crew to Europe and shoot for three days than to film for a single day in California.
He called for lifting “prohibitive regulations” and restoring California’s dominance in the film world.
Final Thoughts
California may still be the symbolic heart of Hollywood, but the reality is shifting fast.
Unless the state makes meaningful changes to its tax structure and regulatory framework, it risks losing the very industry that helped define it.
As Affleck put it: “You need the best people.
You need good people.
And right now, they’re being forced to go elsewhere.”