Big Screen

Arnie Ensures Cinematic Treasures Will Be Made In California

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the first 25 films to receive California’s new production tax incentives. Some titles include: Beverly Hill Chihuahua 2, Naked Gun 4 and Dinner for Schmucks and Comedy Central’s TV show Important Things With Demetri Martin.

To fend off other American states trying to lure movie production away with tax incentives, the California Legislature approved a production incentive that covers 20% of below-the-line expenses for productions of up to $US75 million. The state will pay 25% of expenses for indie feature productions of up to $US10 million.

No word on yet if Lethal Weapon 6, Battlefield Earth in 3D, Good Burger 4, No Country For Old Men 2: Chigurh Goes to Whitecastle, or any other sequel staring Tim Allen will be eligible for funds.

Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • pixie

    @Aaron Altman: Above the line is usually the director, starring actors, producers and screenwriter; below the line is everything else.

    Below the line tends to imply fixed expenses, like standard union pay rates for crew, equipment rentals, etc. while above the line can mean gazillion dollar paychecks for the folks at the top.

  • GoneElsewhere

    Odd as it sounds, Alan Spencer's Naked Gun 4 screenplay is funny as hell.

  • SanFranLefty

    So basically if you're a poor kid in California you need to get cast in "Slumdog Millionaire 2: Fresno" in order to get basic health care or education?! Glad my state leaders have their priorities straight.

    SanFranLefty

  • oldgraygeek

    @610Dean: Peter Benchley wrote other books...

    oldgraygeek

  • oldgraygeek

    @TubOfTaft: Naked Gun 4: The Search for Nordberg's Anal Virginity

    oldgraygeek

  • 610Dean

    For God's sake make a movie that was never an old TV show, a comic book, a book, a cocktail napkin.. something new and Ill go to the movies! Jaws was a new idea once.. so was Star Wars. Take a chance!

    610Dean

  • atlasfugged

    Aren't we all glad thousands of Californian children's healthcare insurance was cut so Leslie Nielsen could come out of retirement?

    atlasfugged

  • Bonkuro

    Diamond encrusted cases won't make the movies any better.

  • eleusiswalks

    Surely Leslie Nielsen isn't in good enough shape to do an action movie?

    (Don't call him Shirley, I know.)

    eleusiswalks

  • semiserious

    Tax cuts for Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2! I guess all those cuts to HIV/AIDS programs were totally worth it!

  • Aaron Altman

    I'm afraid to ask what "below the line" expenses are, but it's good to know that California will subsidize them!

  • Fry_Bread_Power

    Where will they film the 'The State of California Is Bankrupt,' Arnold?

  • RussianTaco

    Does the list mention the new Conan the Barbarian movie? Because that would be an issue for the Ethics Committee, I think.

  • Natasha VC

    @TubOfTaft:

    Tyler Perry Presents: Fat Suit 3?

  • TubOfTaft

    So will Nordberg be filming his scenes in prison?

    TubOfTaft

  • seyswho

    Can it be long before the Gigli trilogy is completed?

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