Steve Hilton Blasts California Leaders Over Hollywood Exodus, Calls it 'Crime'

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has sharply criticized state leaders, accusing them of driving the entertainment industry out of the state due to high costs and burdensome regulations. Hilton's comments come as Paramount is reportedly considering relocating its operations from California amid a legal dispute.

Hilton, a Republican, pointed to figures suggesting a significant loss of film jobs in California, with an estimated 51,000 having disappeared in the last three years. He stated that productions and industry workers are increasingly choosing to move to states like Texas and Georgia, which offer more favorable economic conditions. "Paramount’s eyeing the exit and our stuntmen, coordinators, and crews are already packing for Texas and Atlanta because the machine Becerra is backed by has made it cheaper to shoot anywhere but home in Hollywood," Hilton wrote on X, referencing a video conversation with stuntman Sam Maloof.

Hilton pledged to "Bring Hollywood Home" by implementing real incentives and reducing red tape, emphasizing that the current situation is unacceptable.

Despite efforts by the state to retain the industry, including an increase in the annual film and television tax credit from $330 million to $750 million last July, companies continue to express concerns. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation aimed at bolstering tax credits for post-production work, such as editing, sound, and visual effects, effective next year. The new law allows studios to claim credits for 35% to 50% of qualifying post-production spending within California and can also apply to productions filmed elsewhere, attempting to secure behind-the-scenes work.

Maloof, a stuntman with credits on films like "Mission: Impossible" and "The Fast and the Furious," shared his experience of dwindling work opportunities in California. He noted that many colleagues have relocated to other states. "All my friends who are stuntman, executive directors and coordinator, they moved either to Texas or Atlanta," Maloof said, questioning what can be done to bring Hollywood back.

The situation with Paramount involves a legal battle with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general, who filed a lawsuit in July challenging the company's proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. They argue the merger would reduce competition in the film and television sectors. Paramount CEO David Ellison has reportedly threatened to move the company out of California due to the dispute, though no official announcement has been made. Recent reports indicate that settlement talks between Paramount and California officials are progressing.

Hilton described the exodus of entertainment jobs from Los Angeles as a "crime," highlighting the industry's significance to the region. "It's a crime what they've let happen to let all those jobs go to other states and other countries. It's an absolute crime."