Film Industry

30 articles

Editorial illustration for California Enacts New Post-Production Tax Credit (AB 2319) to Boost Film and TV Industry
Media Industry

California Enacts New Post-Production Tax Credit (AB 2319) to Boost Film and TV Industry

California has enacted Assembly Bill 2319, establishing its first standalone tax credit for film and television post-production work, effective January 1, 2027. This new legislation aims to attract high-skilled jobs and economic activity by incentivizing post-production services within the state, even for projects filmed elsewhere.

Julian Mercer·October 1, 2026
California State Capitol building at sunset with a film reel motif, representing the expansion of film tax credits and the state's support for the entertainment industry.
Media Industry

California Governor Signs Bill Expanding Film Tax Credits

In 2025, California's Film and TV tax credit program will more than double from $330 million to $750 million, signaling an aggressive push to keep Hollywood at home, according to gov .

Leo Hartmann·September 20, 2026
An independent filmmaker stands in the shadow of a giant corporate skyscraper, symbolizing the impact of media consolidation on small-scale productions.
Media Industry

Media Consolidation's Impact on Independent Filmmakers

A proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros.

Julian Mercer·September 20, 2026
Independent filmmakers collaborating on film projects, discussing strategies for launching their work at festivals in 2026.
Film & TV

How Do Film Festivals Launch Independent Films in 2026?

Submitting a single feature film to a top-tier festival like Tribeca can cost $135 just for an extended deadline, a significant financial barrier for independent creators.

Julian Mercer·September 20, 2026
The U.S. Capitol building illuminated, with film production equipment in the foreground, symbolizing the film industry's request for a federal tax incentive.
Media Industry

Film Industry Urges Congress to Pass Federal Production Tax Incentive

A new study projects that a federal tax incentive for domestic film production in 2026 could increase the U.

Leo Hartmann·September 19, 2026
Digital creator Markiplier's film 'Iron Lung' grossed over $50 million, showcasing the financial power of online creators now recognized with an IMDb category.
Creators

Digital Creators Now Have Their Own IMDb Category Amidst Hollywood Shift

YouTuber Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) independently funded his film 'Iron Lung' with a low 7-figure budget.

Tara Collins·September 17, 2026
A young, passionate indie film director on a dimly lit set, directing a small crew with intense focus and creative energy.
Film & TV

Top 5 Emerging Indie Film Directors to Watch

Made for under $1 million, the indie film 'Obsession' has grossed $225 million globally, proving blockbuster success no longer demands a multi-million dollar budget ( BBC ).

Julian Mercer·September 17, 2026
A busy film set with crew members working, symbolizing the economic growth and job creation promised by a federal film tax credit.
Media Industry

Federal film tax credit promises major economic boost and job creation

U.S. film and TV production would double by 2032 if Congress passes a federal film incentive, estimates the Motion Picture Association . This expansion would significantly increase domestic content cr

Leo Hartmann·September 16, 2026
A line producer meticulously managing budgets and logistics on a film set during pre-production, highlighting their crucial role in operational and financial planning.
Production

What Exactly Are Line Producer Roles in Film and Television?

Before a single frame is shot, a line producer must secure international visas, filming permits, comprehensive insurance, and even parking for an entire crew, all while crafting a precise, line-by-lin

Victor Ren·September 14, 2026
A TV showrunner depicted as a solitary figure overwhelmed by scripts, storyboards, and editing timelines, symbolizing the immense pressure and multitasking involved in their role.
Production

What is a TV Showrunner and What Are Their Responsibilities?

Being a showrunner is described as 'utterly consuming, draining, and awful,' involving constant editing, writing, and managing countless tasks simultaneously, according to Douxreviews .

Victor Ren·September 13, 2026
A diverse film crew and actors working on a vibrant set, with a subtle overlay representing government legislation, symbolizing the new federal tax credit.
Media Industry

Congress drafts 20% federal film TV tax credit production incentives

Members of Congress are drafting legislation for a 20% federal film and TV incentive, with potential bonuses raising it to 30%, marking a significant shift from state-by-state competition, according t

Leo Hartmann·September 12, 2026
A visual representation of niche streaming services as distinct digital clusters within a larger network, illustrating audience segmentation and market challenges in 2026.
Film & TV

Niche Streaming Services Face Audience Segmentation Challenges in 2026

Specialized streaming services collectively grew to 42 million paying subscribers in the first six months of 2026, marking a significant moment for tailored content consumption.

Julian Mercer·September 12, 2026
A lively street scene at an indie film festival, showcasing attendees, film posters, and a cinema entrance, symbolizing the event's cultural and economic vitality.
Film & TV

What is the economic and cultural impact of indie film festivals?

For every Swiss franc invested in the Locarno film festival, the region sees a return of three: a striking economic multiplier.

Julian Mercer·September 6, 2026
A lone filmmaker in a futuristic studio using AI interfaces to create a film, symbolizing the democratization of production.
Behind the Scenes

10 Filmmaking Technologies Democratizing Production in 2026

A new AI film studio, Promise, backed by Google and Disney, is already deploying AI models to create entire backgrounds, special effects, and synthetic performers.

Victor Ren·September 5, 2026
A cinematic representation of AI technology overshadowing a disheartened filmmaker, symbolizing job displacement and financial hardship in the Hollywood entertainment industry.
Media Industry

AI's Rise Fuels Hollywood's Financial Woes Amid Job Declines

Experienced and award-winning writers, directors, and producers are now paid as little as $12 per hour to train the very AI models threatening their careers, The Guardian reports.

Leo Hartmann·September 4, 2026
Diverse group of young independent filmmakers collaborating in a creative space, illuminated by a laptop screen, symbolizing innovation in storytelling.
Film & TV

Independent Filmmakers Redefining Storytelling in 2026

At a recent box office weekend, two horror films, crafted by YouTubers aged 20 and 26, collectively surpassed a major Star Wars release.

Julian Mercer·September 4, 2026
Film art department crew members working collaboratively on detailed set designs and props in a well-lit, organized workshop.
Behind the Scenes

How Union Agreements Shape Film and TV Art Department Roles

For a major film production exceeding £30 million, art department crew members adhere to an 11-hour workday, plus an hour for lunch, a schedule meticulously defined by union agreements rather than cre

Victor Ren·September 3, 2026
Hollywood sign under a dramatic sky with film reels and money, symbolizing the impact of federal film tax credits on production.
Media Industry

Trump backs federal film tax credits to boost Hollywood production

Amazon reportedly paid $40 million to license the Melania Trump documentary.

Leo Hartmann·September 3, 2026
A Unit Production Manager meticulously planning a film shoot, balancing budget and schedule amidst the dynamic environment of a movie set.
Behind the Scenes

What is a Unit Production Manager and how do they schedule film shoots?

Even before a single frame is shot, a Unit Production Manager (UPM) orchestrates the entire production's financial blueprint, location scouting, and preliminary schedule.

Victor Ren·September 2, 2026
Film crew setting up lights on a historic Limerick street for a new feature film starring an international cast.
Production

Oscar-nominated director films new feature in Limerick

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Whit Stillman will bring his new feature film, 'A Night at Claridge’s', to Limerick and its county for filming, according to I Love Limerick .

Victor Ren·September 2, 2026
Silhouettes of President Trump and Senator Schiff shaking hands in front of Hollywood landmarks, symbolizing bipartisan support for film tax incentives.
Film & TV

Trump Backs Film Tax Incentive as Bipartisan Support Builds

In a surprising display of bipartisan unity, President Donald Trump and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff have both called for immediate federal tax incentives to bring film and TV production jobs back t

Julian Mercer·September 2, 2026
Filmmaker contemplating a holographic film reel with violet hues, representing the AI-generated film 'Dreams of Violets'.
Production

AI Film 'Dreams of Violets' to Premiere at Tribeca, Sparking Job Debate

The AI-generated feature film 'Dreams of Violets' will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Victor Ren·September 2, 2026
Media executives in a high-tech control room managing intellectual property assets and financial data, illustrating new profit centers.
Media Industry

Media Companies Find New Profit in IP Operations

The Shrek franchise, first released over two decades ago, continues to generate millions.

Amelia Frost·September 2, 2026
Independent film crew working on a sunny California movie set, highlighting the expanded tax incentives for smaller productions.
Media Industry

California lawmakers expand tax breaks for independent film productions

Independent film productions, representing 10% of California's $750 million film and TV tax credit program, are now completely exempt from the state's $5 million corporate tax credit cap, according to

Amelia Frost·August 31, 2026
The Hollywood sign illuminated at sunset, with a busy film set in the foreground, representing California's expanded film tax credit.
Media Industry

California's $750M Film Tax Credit Expansion Aids Major Studios

California's Film and Television Tax Credit program expanded from $330 million to an annual cap of $750 million, establishing it as one of the nation's most substantial state incentives.

Leo Hartmann·August 31, 2026
Diverse students actively engaged in filmmaking activities within a bright, contemporary film studio, showcasing collaboration and creativity.
Film & TV

Best Film Schools in the US for 2026

Santa Monica College, with its $46 per unit tuition for California residents, was named one of MovieMaker magazine's 30 Best Film Schools in the U.

Julian Mercer·August 31, 2026
A vibrant film set in California with crew members actively working, highlighting the expansion of tax credits for independent productions.
Media Industry

California Assembly Bill Expands Film Tax Credits for Indies

Despite a statewide $5 million cap on business tax credits, California lawmakers are pushing a new bill that would completely exempt independent film projects.

Amelia Frost·August 29, 2026
Diverse audience engrossed in vertical video on smartphones and tablets, with a futuristic cityscape and streaming logos in the background.
Media Industry

Vertical Video Dominates Streaming, Ad Monetization Surges

In the first half of 2026 alone, short drama app downloads surged by an astonishing 95.

Leo Hartmann·August 26, 2026
A film set with green technology, showing sustainable filmmaking practices in action with solar-powered lights and nature integration.
Production

What Are Sustainable Filmmaking Practices and Why Do They Matter in 2026?

A partnership within the film industry is projected to cut 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over just two years, according to Ecologi .

Victor Ren·August 25, 2026
The Blade silhouette stands in a desolate, crumbling landscape, symbolizing the stalled Marvel reboot amidst Disney's financial cutbacks.
Film & TV

Marvel's Blade Reboot Stalled Amid Disney Cutbacks

Mahershala Ali, set to star in Marvel's 'Blade' reboot, confirmed his departure.

Julian Mercer·August 24, 2026