Ben Affleck: California is Killing Hollywood

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Ben Affleck, both as director and actor, clearly has a deep affection for the city of Los Angeles, consistently choosing Southern California as the location for many of his projects. The question arises, how deeply does LA reciprocate this love towards the film industry? With other cities enhancing their financial incentives, it’s come to light that even though California is stunning, it’s not an ideal place for conducting business – a fact that ‘The Accountant 2’ star has recently confirmed, despite the long-held suspicions within the industry.

Discussing his latest project, Affleck expressed gratitude towards LA’s exceptional film crews and emphasized his connection to California, particularly after the devastating fires. He is more than just a celebrity; he’s an acclaimed producer and director who deeply appreciates both the artistic and technical aspects of cinema. His comments serve as a cautionary note about potential talent exodus that might jeopardize Hollywood’s economic backbone and unique identity. The allure of the classic Hollywood, with its iconic film sets, celebrity homes, and bustling studios, still lingers… for now. This raises an intriguing question: Is a dispersed movie industry beneficial or detrimental?

Ben Affleck Recognizes California’s Man-Made Disaster

Creating a film is no small feat; it involves securing facilities and equipment, negotiating with unions, finding striking locations, and dealing with financiers before any real work begins. Ben Affleck didn’t shy away from discussing these challenges when talking to the Associated Press about the process of filmmaking at the premiere of Gavin O’Connor’s Accountant sequel.

Our business, Artists Equity, strives to operate whenever possible in Los Angeles, especially post-fire, as it holds significant importance for us. I believe that the top-notch film crews and immensely gifted artists reside here, contributing significantly to the city’s economy. It is crucial for this industry to continue thriving, which is why we make an effort to contribute. We filmed a substantial portion of our ten movies here, with Artists Equity potentially shooting more than half in LA.

The company we’re discussing is the film production firm co-founded by Affleck, Matt Damon, and Gerry Cardinale, known for creating the ‘The Accountant’ series. The LA-first ideology is an admirable stance, but it might not always be practical because other cities may lure films from Los Angeles using tax incentives. Location plays a crucial role in shaping a movie’s success, as evident in films like ‘Heat’ and ‘Chinatown’. Nevertheless, the convenience of obtaining permits and the cost of filming for six months are significant factors, as California is infamous for its bureaucracy and expensive filming costs.

Where Has Everyone Gone, and Why Are They Leaving California?

For decades, California leaders assumed that film producers would remain loyal, as Affleck candidly stated. However, this overconfidence has led to Los Angeles losing its charm over the past 30 years. To stop the drain, new laws offering more generous tax incentives are being considered. California doesn’t have many options left. Affleck suggests that states like Louisiana, Georgia, and New Mexico, as well as countries such as Canada, Ireland, and Britain, offer more attractive deals, a point we’ve previously addressed in earlier articles. Notably, popular productions like “Star Wars”, “Twilight”, and “Brokeback Mountain” were filmed outside California, almost as a rebuke, highlighting California’s stunning landscapes and advanced facilities.

California is at a critical juncture as major corporations are moving to states with more favorable conditions such as lower living costs, affordable land, and less corporate taxation, according to Newsweek. This situation is further aggravated by the imposition of tariffs, as entertainment industry leaders navigate a new economic terrain. Whether Hollywood can be preserved for future generations remains uncertain, and it faces tough competition. It’s intriguing to imagine an East Coast Hollywood, but replicating an LA River car chase in Dover, Delaware might prove challenging.

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2025-05-19 03:02