Bipartisan lawmakers have founded a Congressional caucus dedicated to enhancing film and television production in the United States.
In a pivotal development for the entertainment industry, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has officially launched the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus. This initiative, announced on September 16, 2026, aims to bolster film and television production in the United States, gathering support among lawmakers to promote domestic jobs and enhance opportunities for American creators.
The founding members of this caucus include U.S. Representatives Brian Jack (R-GA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY). According to The Hollywood Reporter, the caucus was established in response to challenges facing the U.S. production industry, including job losses and increased competition from other nations.
This Congressional caucus comes at a time when Hollywood is struggling to maintain its competitive edge in film and television production. In recent years, the U.S. has witnessed a decline in production jobs; over 100,000 positions have been lost since 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, U.S. production spending dropped by 20 percent in 2025, while countries like the U.K. and regions in Eastern Europe reported substantial growth in production investments.
The caucus's formation coincides with renewed discussions around federal incentives aimed at reversing these trends. Many in the industry are advocating for a federal film and television tax credit to complement state-level incentives. Such a credit could potentially foster a more favorable environment for filmmakers and production crews, making the U.S. an attractive location for filming.
The primary aim of the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus is to advocate for enhanced domestic production while educating Congress on the economic significance of American entertainment. Co-founder Laura Friedman, a former film producer, emphasized that American film and television jobs are leaving the country due to competition from 65 other nations. She highlights the need for a national film tax credit as a way to bring these jobs back and ensure the industry thrives domestically.
Moreover, this caucus seeks to bring together like-minded legislators who can collaborate on initiatives to support the U.S. entertainment sector. The group intends to raise awareness among lawmakers about the broader implications of production incentives not only for job creation but for the cultural landscape and economic richness of the country.
There is considerable momentum behind the proposed federal tax credit, in part due to endorsements from political figures, including President Donald Trump. The Motion Picture Association has suggested that implementing such measures could generate nearly $250 billion in total gross value for the U.S. economy from 2027 to 2035, supporting around 143,500 full-time jobs annually. This perspective points toward the potential ripple effects not only within the film industry but across related sectors, providing a significant boost to the economy.
The caucus is distinct from another newly formed group, the Movies, Music, Entertainment, & Sports (MoMEntS) Caucus, which was announced simultaneously. These initiatives highlight a broader bipartisan interest in revitalizing entertainment production in the U.S., showcasing the importance of the sector to lawmakers.
The formation of the Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus marks significant governmental recognition of the challenges facing U.S. film and TV industries. By fostering a dialogue among lawmakers and industry advocates, this group may lead to impactful changes in legislation that can help reverse job losses and stimulate economic growth through creative industries. As the U.S. navigates the evolving global entertainment landscape, efforts like this caucus could prove vital in maintaining the country's status as a hub for film and TV production.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
