Burbank, CA – Fears of job losses and a decline in domestic film and television production have resurfaced in Hollywood as the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery moves forward, despite ongoing scrutiny from California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The concerns were voiced Friday at a news conference held at Burbank City Hall, where lawmakers and industry figures called for federal intervention to bolster the U.S. Film industry.
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) emphasized the need for a globally competitive federal film incentive program, stating, “State programs cannot simply substitute for the kind of global, federal and competitive tax incentives that are needed to bring production back to American soil and stop its offshoring.” Schiff announced he is working on a bipartisan proposal to address the issue, focusing on the crucial crew jobs that productions generate – roles for set designers, carpenters, and lighting crews – rather than the visibility of Hollywood stars.
The call for federal support comes as California attempts to stimulate its own production sector. Governor Gavin Newsom recently authorized an expanded $750 million film and TV tax credit program, and the California Film Commission this week announced awards for 16 television projects expected to generate $1.3 billion in economic activity and employ over 4,500 cast and crew members, along with 50,687 background performers. The projects include returning shows like “The Pitt,” a new Family Guy spinoff, and a Jimmy Kimmel-hosted competition show, marking the first time animated and competition shows have been included in the program.
Despite the state-level efforts, recent data indicates a continuing struggle. FilmL.A. Inc. Reported that Los Angeles film activity was down 13.2% from July through September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Los Angeles lost 42,000 jobs in the motion picture sector between 2022 and 2024, a trend attributed in part to productions relocating internationally.
Matthew Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), echoed Schiff’s call for federal action. “Federal policymakers must act to level the playing field and make the U.S. Film and television industry more competitive on the global stage,” Loeb said. “For us, production that supplements state incentives is essential to return and maintain film and television jobs in America.”
Noah Wyle, star and executive producer of HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt,” which films on the Warner Bros. Lot in Burbank, highlighted the impact of California’s tax incentive. He stated the incentive was “essential” to keeping “The Pitt” in Los Angeles, describing the city as “prohibitively” expensive. The show reportedly saved over $11 million in its first season through the program, with a rebate of approximately $760,000 per episode, given a budget of around $6.6 million per episode.
Representative Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), collaborating with Schiff on federal tax incentive proposals, argued that the success of California’s program demonstrates the viability of a national incentive. “Hollywood is not asking for special treatment,” Friedman said. “Whether It’s computer chips, the energy sector or pharmaceuticals, this is something that is standard in the United States. In terms of our nation, Hollywood and its ability to tell the story of America, it is something worth saving.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is currently coordinating an antitrust review of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger with at least one other state, New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to reports from earlier this week. Bonta has stated the deal is “not a done deal” and that the California Department of Justice is conducting a vigorous review, as reported in February.
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