California visual effects artists fight foreign film tax credits
A group of California visual effects artists is mounting a long-shot campaign to dismantle foreign film tax credits, contending that they hurt U.S. workers and violate international trade agreements.
More than 150 visual effects workers in the last two weeks have donated funds to challenge the legality of foreign film subsidies that have buffeted California’s visual effects industry.
“We’re fighting for the industry we love,” said Rachael Campbell, a visual effects artist and campaign donor. “This is our chance for us to come together and make our voices heard.”
Foreign governments — and now most U.S. states — offer subsidies to production companies, enabling them to receive significant tax breaks and rebates that help them offset the cost of making movies and TV shows, including creating digital effects.
-- Richard Verrier, Los Angeles Times