Watch CBS News

San Francisco Considers Extending Film Crew Perks

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A push is on in San Francisco to extend tax breaks for the film industry for a couple more years.

Since 2006, San Francisco has offered millions of dollars in rebates to film companies to bring their business here. Supervisor Mark Farrell said that means jobs to local production companies and crew, along with extra cash into the local economy.

"We've taken more sales tax, hotel tax, payroll tax and permit fees from these productions than we give back in the rebate program itself," said Farrell.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

With the rebates set to expire, Farrell said that he would like to extend them by at least two years.

"My hope is that in the not-to-distant future we can introduce legislation to make this even better," said Farrell.

A survey by the city's budget analyst said that production companies enticed by film rebates spent over $56 million filming in the city during the 2010/2011 fiscal year, bringing business to San Francisco that otherwise might have gone to New York or Vancouver. They said that it doesn't hurt to boost the city's profile on the silver screen to encourage more visitors.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.