California’s $330M Annual Film & TV Tax Credits Bill Placed On Hold

Harrison Ford choked up on Saturday while talking about the fifth "Indiana Jones" installment, which will be the 80-year-old actor’s last turn as the whip-cracking archeologist.  "Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us, giving the opportunity to us to make these films for you," an emotional Ford said in a surprise appearance at Disney’s D23 expo in Anaheim, California.  As he stopped for a second to collect himself, a cheer of support rose from the crowd.  "I’m very proud to say that this one is fantastic," he continued, adding that his co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was on stage with him, "is one of the reasons." Harrison Ford talks about "Indiana Jones 5" in front of Disney's D23 Expo crowd on Saturday.  (The Walt Disney Company via Getty Images) "‘Indiana Jones’ movies are about fantasy and mystery, but they’re also about heart," he continued, choking up again for a moment. "We have a really human story to tell, as well as a movie that will kick your a--." At the end of his speech he joked it would be his last time taking on the role.

Meghan Markle has cancelled several of her upcoming appearances, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The 41 year old, who is currently in London with her husband Prince Harry, was scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on 20 September, but she has now cancelled her appearance.

EXCLUSIVE: Disney Original Documentary today revealed its next project, a feature documentary on Anthony Madu, the Nigerian boy who became a viral sensation after a video showed him dancing ballet barefoot on a rainy street outside Lagos.

Basketball can be a family business — and for Amari Bailey’s family, the dream of NBA success has been a long time coming.

Off the market! Rachel Bilson has a new love in her life — and she’s sharing the NSFW details.

A misinterpreted moment. Rachel Bilson is clearing the air after seemingly comparing her heartbreak after splitting from Bill Hader to the pain of childbirth.

EXCLUSIVE: Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel), Bobby Soto (Narcos: Mexico), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Narcos: Mexico), Veronica Falcón (Ozark), Sarayu Blue (I Feel Bad) and Eric Johnson (Fifty Shades franchise) are among the newest additions to Prime Video’s Michael Peña starrer A Million Miles Away, which has entered production in Mexico City. Others rounding out the ensemble of the Alejandra Márquez Abella-helmed film include Jordan Dean (Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace), Ashley Ciarra (Chupa), Michelle Krusiec (Hollywood), Emma Fassler (Recovery Road), Michael Adler (Super Pumped), Carlos S. Sanchez (Chicago Fire) and Isaac Arellanes (Ghostwriter).

Making it official! Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are married more than two years after they welcomed their first child together.

A bill that would have regulated the use of guns on film and TV sets in California has failed to make it through the state legislature.

Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno is one of the greatest people, according to Bill Maher. But there’s a certain faction that doesn’t agree, he adds. “I don’t understand this animosity that comes from some people.”

Peter Caranicas Deputy Editor The Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) will honor two legal powerhouses at its 10th Annual BHBA Litigation Awards Dinner: leading litigator Mathew Rosengart, shareholder at the Greenberg Traurig law firm, and Hon. David Cowan, supervising judge of the Civil Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The dinner will take place on Sept. 21 at the outdoor terrace of the Maybourne in Beverly Hills. Rosengart, pictured at left, a former federal prosecutor and current litigator with clients throughout entertainment and other industries, will receive the Excellence in Advocacy Award, which honors a litigator whose case successes have resulted from expert legal skills, unique trial strategy and courtroom teamwork, and who also gives back to the community.

Portantino, who authored the bill and is a major player when it comes to film industry legislation in California, said that the delay was done to give lawmakers time to iron out late amendments added to the tax program, including a diversity amendment added by Los Angeles Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo requiring productions that receive a tax credit to hire a cast and crew that is “broadly reflective” of the state’s demographics. With the current tax credit program not expiring until 2025, Portantino expressed confidence that the extension can be finalized in time.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer A bill to extend California’s film and TV tax incentive program through 2030 has been placed on hold, as lawmakers continue to work on elements of the bill, including a new diversity mandate. The state’s $330 million tax credit for Hollywood is currently set to expire in 2025. Sen. Anthony Portantino has worked on a bill, SB 485, that would add another five years to the program. Last week, a new provision was added requiring that productions that receive a tax credit adopt hiring goals that are “broadly reflective” of the state’s demographics. Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, led the effort to include that provision, which also adds an extra 4% subsidy for projects that meet their diversity targets.

the direction the city is heading. Residents and community leaders have expressed frustration with the political divisiveness and loss of a sense of community,” the statement adds.

Four big-budget features are among the 18 film projects that have conditionally qualified for the latest round of California’s tax credit program. Together, they’re expected to generate an estimated $915 million in overall production spending across the state and employ nearly 600 actors, more than 2,500 crew members and thousands of background performers. See the list below.

The California Film Commission announced today 18 upcoming projects that will benefit from the state’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program, receiving a combined $93.7 million break for generating an estimated $915 million in spending.Todd Phillips’ “Joker” sequel “Folie à Deux,” a remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair” starring Michael B. Jordan, and “Rebel Moon Part 2” are among the big-budget films selected for the program. An untitled Netflix production, which qualifies for more than $20.5 million in tax credits, is the priciest project at $107.7 million in qualified spending.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer“Joker” was a very New York movie — so much so that tourists flocked to the Bronx staircase where Joaquin Phoenix danced in a montage.But the sequel, “Joker: Folie á Deux,” will shoot in Los Angeles, thanks to $12.6 million in tax credits to Warner Bros. from the state of California.The California Film Commission announced its latest round of credit allocations on Monday morning, awarding $93.7 million to 18 projects.