Malliotakis Leads Bipartisan Effort to Grow Film Production & Create Jobs in New York City

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) introduced bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), with the support of the Trump Administration’s Ambassador to Hollywood, actor Jon Voight, to help keep film and television production in the United States and the jobs they create. As a key federal tax incentive for the entertainment industry nears expiration, their bill would double the current tax deduction available for qualified production expenses and extend it for an additional five years. Without this legislation, the U.S. risks losing significant economic activity and good-paying production jobs to foreign countries—highlighting the urgency of taking action to modernize the deduction and strengthen our domestic entertainment industry.

According to the most recent NYC Film and Television Industry Economic Impact Study (2021), the city’s film and TV sector supports 185,000 jobs, generates $18.1 billion in wages, and contributes $81.6 billion in total economic output highlighting its continued importance to New York City's economy.

"I join Rep. Judy Chu in introducing this bipartisan legislation aimed to help keep film and television production here in the U.S. especially in New York, a major entertainment hub with studios in both Brooklyn & Staten Island," said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. "New York’s film and television industry has generated thousands of jobs and promotes economic activity in our district through series like Ray Donovan, Gotham, Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods, and Fallout to name a few. Our effort has earned the support of President Trump and industry leaders like Jon Voight, making clear just how important it is to keep production companies from leaving our community and country for overseas incentives."

"I’m so proud to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support good-paying, domestic creative jobs by extending and strengthening Section 181, the only federal tax incentive specifically designed for film, television, and sound production here in the United States," said Rep. Judy Chu. With Section 181's expiration fast approaching in just a few months, it's so critical to not just extend this deduction, but strengthen it. Our bill would do just that and would ensure that the United States continues to invest in the incredible talent that exists in my district in Southern California and across the country." 

"I want to thank Representatives Malliotakis and Chu and Senators Blackburn and Warnock for introducing imperative jobs legislation to reauthorize Sec. 181, extending the program for five years and raising the deduction limits. We must ensure this vital legislation passes Congress and is signed into law by President Trump. America's great film and television industry needs and deserves our support at this critical time," said Jon Voight, United States Special Ambassador to Hollywood.

"As a filmmaker for the past forty years, both domestically and internationally, I’ve had to move some of my productions overseas due to the generous tax incentives offered by foreign countries. I thank Rep. Malliotakis and Rep. Chu for introducing this bipartisan legislation to extend and enhance existing tax credits, which will level the playing field and help keep more film production here in the United States," said Julius R. Nasso, Owner and Producer of Julius R. Nasso Productions.

"With sound recording production finally eligible for the Section 181 domestic production incentive, A2IM is proud to support this bill, which would help independent labels support more great artists as they contribute to economic growth. America leads the globe in creating film, television, theater and music that entertains and inspires the rest the world. Congress can make sure we have every tool to continue this important work by extending this common sense provision," said Dr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO, American Association of Independent Music.

"This legislation reflects a bipartisan, bicameral effort to strengthen the U.S. film and TV industry, which proudly supports more than 2.32 million jobs nationwide,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). "Extending and strengthening Section 181 will lead to more domestic film and TV production, and more American jobs. The MPA applauds Senators Blackburn and Warnock, alongside Representatives Malliotakis and Chu, for introducing the bill in their respective chambers and looks forward to Congress enacting this vital legislation.”

New York’s 11th Congressional District is home to a number of production stages and studios, including RiverBridge Studios and the Staten Island Paramount Theater.