The Briefing
- Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton unveiled an expanded version of his "Bring Hollywood Home" production incentive plan on October 14, near the Hollywood sign — the most aggressive entertainment tax credit proposal in the field, with a 40% uncapped base credit and a potential 5-year kickstart rate of up to 50%, stackable with a newly introduced 20% federal credit.
- The updated plan extends eligibility to commercials, documentaries, and reality TV — all currently excluded from California's incentive program — and adds state-backed financing for studio construction and renovation.
- With Election Day on November 3 less than three weeks away, Hilton trails Democratic nominee Xavier Becerra by roughly 17 points in the latest polling, though his entertainment industry platform has drawn notable cross-aisle attention in a state that hasn't elected a Republican governor since 2006.
