Ben Affleck criticizes California for taking the film and TV industry ‘for granted’ as productions leave the state

It appears that leaving the Hotel California is indeed possible.

Ben Affleck has expressed criticism towards California for not taking more action to maintain Hollywood as the “center” of the TV and film industry. This industry is increasingly being attracted to other states and countries that offer better tax incentives.

“I think part of the problem with California is that they have started to take this industry for granted a little bit,” Affleck, 52, stated to the Associated Press during the premiere of his movie “The Accountant 2” on Thursday.

The “Batman v. Superman” actor highlighted that states like Georgia, New Mexico, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have provided “tax rebate deals” and other incentives to attract productions because they understand the positive impact on their economies.

Affleck did commend California Governor Gavin Newsom for proposing to double the state’s film and TV tax credits, although the plan is yet to be voted on by lawmakers who are divided over its financial feasibility.

Even if the expansion were to be implemented, Affleck believes that the tax credits would not suffice to make the Golden State competitive with its counterparts.

“The percentage you get back in terms of the actual budget doesn’t compare with places like England, which is why you see many of these large-scale movies being shot in the U.K.,” the Oscar-winner explained.

The shift of film and TV projects from California and Los Angeles, which he mentioned “used to be at the center” of the industry, has resulted in film and TV crews also relocating.

“It’s really the technicians and the crew that make or break your movie,” he shared.

“You need the best people, you need good people. I, as a director, know that to be true. And so if people move away, you know, that really hurts the industry.”

Affleck is not the only celebrity raising concerns about this issue.

Just last month, Rob Lowe criticized LA and California leaders for not taking more action to prevent the entertainment industry from leaving the state.

“It’s criminal what California and LA have allowed to happen — it’s criminal,” Lowe mentioned on his “Literally!” podcast. “Everyone should be fired,” Lowe added, noting that his game show “The Floor” films in Ireland because “It’s cheaper to bring in 100 people to Ireland than to walk across the lot at Fox.”

In February, Dennis Quaid discussed Texas’ aspirations to become a new Hollywood, stating, “We really want to be the new Hollywood, and also bring back crew people that have to leave to work in Oklahoma or Georgia or Mexico. People are there.”

He added, “It’s just about providing the infrastructure and the means to compete.”