NEWS: Sen. Schiff Highlights New Report Detailing Increased Offshoring of U.S. Film and TV Production, Need for Federal Film Tax Incentive

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is highlighting a new study documenting increased offshoring of U.S. film and TV production over the past 25 years. The report highlights the need for Congress to pass Senator Tim Scott's (R-S.C.) and Schiff's Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act to create a federal film tax incentive to keep film and television production in the United States.

"The jobs in the film and TV industry are enormously important to our country and must stay here in the United States. This report demonstrates the urgent need to act and pass a federal film tax proposal to stop the exodus of production to other countries offering more competitive incentives. With the support of the President, and our strong bipartisan and bicameral coalition, our bill will help create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the nation and bring the movie magic back to America. Now is the time to get this done," said Senator Schiff.

According to the report:

• "The share of production spending by major U.S. studios on movies filmed partially or primarily in the U.S. declined from 74% to 42%.
• The share of films by major U.S. studios on movies filmed partially or primarily in the U.S. declined from 66% to 54%.
• For total cast and crew working on major studio films, the share of cast and crew working on movies filmed partially or primarily in the U.S. declined from 72% to 43%.
• From 1999 to 2024, the share of production spending in the U.S. among the 25 highest-budget films by major U.S. studios declined by 40%.
• The share of television production spending by major U.S. studios on television episodes filmed partially or primarily in the U.S. declined from 94% to 64%."

Background: For years, Schiff has highlighted the need to increase film production in America and has continued to build bipartisan support in Congress for his federal film incentive proposal. During his time in the California State Senate, Schiff helped lead efforts to increase film production in California and protect local jobs.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Schiff spearheaded efforts in Congress to extend California's film tax credit, including in 2014 when he led 28 members of the California Democratic delegation in urging the leaders of the California State Senate and Assembly to reauthorize and enhance the tax credit. In 2024, Schiff sent a letter to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics requesting detailed data on the impact of foreign production incentives on the domestic industry.

In March 2026, Senator Adam Schiff hosted a spotlight hearing in Burbank, California to highlight the importance of bolstering American film production and tackling the challenges including generous tax incentives provided by other countries.

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