THE NEW YORK STATE FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT SUPPORTS ALL NEW YORKERS

We are a coalition of small businesses and partners of the film industry united in support of the expanded New York State Film Production Tax Credit Program. This proven economic development tool has made New York a global hub for film and television production, making the state attractive and drawing in new spending, capital investment, tourism, and jobs, while creating over one million union jobs and generating billions in economic activity.

New Yorkers Support the Film & TV Production Tax Credit

Since it launched in 2004, the NYS Film and Television Production Incentive has created over one million union jobs and generated billions of dollars in economic activity, turning film and TV production into a multi-billion-dollar industry in New York.

Film and TV production supports high-quality, high-paying jobs, benefits local businesses, and adds an average of $1.3 million to the local economy every day its in production.

It’s no wonder that according to a recent survey, 78% of New Yorkers support the tax incentives, with bipartisan backing across Democrats (86%), Independents (68%), and Republicans (72%).

Voters recognize the value of keeping productions local, with 62% citing economic benefits like increased tax revenues and business investment as key reasons to support the program.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE FY2026 BUDGET 

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled enhancements to the New York State Film Production Tax Credit as part of her 2026 fiscal year budget proposal. The enhancements will improve New York's competitiveness in the global production landscape, ensure long-term stability for New York’s film workforce, and protect the industry’s presence in our state. Key components include:

  • Establishing the Production Plus Program to provide additional tax credits for larger productions with at least $100 million in qualified production investments or above $20 million for small budget independent projects.

  • Creating a new $100 million pool specifically for independent films

  • Extending the program for an additional two years through 2036, providing more long-term security for productions.

  • Increasing eligibility of "above-the-line" (ATL) expenses — including salaries for actors, directors, writers, and producers — while keeping in place the overall cap on ATL compensation

  • Significantly reducing delays in credit allocation for larger productions, allowing companies to claim the full credit in the first year, benefiting both major productions and independent projects.

  • Allocating $3.5 million annually to support workforce development programs, creating pathways to high-quality jobs for New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds.

All in all, the Governor’s proposal to enhance the production incentive program will further New York’s ability to create union jobs, establish talent pipelines, and support small businesses.

KEEPING NEW YORK COMPETITIVE

  • Since 2004, the Film & TV Production Tax Credit has generated over $23.3 billion in economic investment, supported 90,000 direct jobs in 2021 alone, and boosted wages to an average of $90,000 annually, exceeding the state median by 37%.

  • In 2021, nearly 50,000 local businesses benefited from the industry, and productions continue to attract millions of visitors, driving billions in tourism spending.

  • The film and TV industry brings high-paid, largely unionized jobs to our state – the exact jobs we are trying to attract.

    • 44% of film industry jobs do not require a four-year college degree.

  • The expanded program includes significant funding for workforce development, creating equitable opportunities for New Yorkers of all backgrounds while fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Movie productions take place in states where the jurisdiction is supportive of building a lasting infrastructure to grow the industry and accompanying good-paying jobs. Bolstering the production incentives has allowed New York to maintain and expand its film and TV industry, yielding even further economic benefits across the entire state.

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60 diverse creators

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