As the film industry continues to migrate from Los Angeles to other states and countries, Ben Affleck is sharing his thoughts on why this is happening.
In a recent interview, he opened up about the tax incentives that other regions offer, which have become more attractive for film and TV productions.
The actor, known for his roles in The Batman and Good Will Hunting, emphasized how California may have taken the film industry for granted.
Affleck on Why Productions Are Leaving California
Affleck explained that one of the main reasons productions are leaving California is because the state no longer offers competitive tax incentives.
While Governor Gavin Newsom has raised the cap on California’s tax credits to keep productions in-state, Affleck believes that this adjustment won’t be enough.
“The percentage you get back in terms of actual budget doesn’t compete with places like England,” he said.
This, according to Affleck, is why many large films choose to shoot in the UK.
The Appeal of Other States and Countries
Affleck went on to talk about how various U.S. states, like Georgia, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas, have become increasingly popular due to their attractive incentives.
Georgia and New Mexico, in particular, stand out because they have no annual cap on their incentive programs.
This makes these states highly appealing for filmmakers looking to save on costs while still producing high-quality films.
The Impact on Film Crews and Technicians
A major concern Affleck raised was the impact on the film industry’s crews, particularly the technicians who make or break a movie.
“You need the best people, you need good people,” he said. “And so if people move away, you know, that really hurts the industry.”
As productions move away from California, many skilled technicians are following suit, which could pose a significant problem for future film projects.
Affleck and Rob Lowe Talk About Production Costs
Rob Lowe also chimed in on the cost differences between filming in Los Angeles and other locations.
Lowe, whose game show The Floor films in Ireland, pointed out that it’s actually cheaper to bring an entire team from the U.S. to Ireland than to film on a soundstage in L.A.
This further underscores the financial challenges of shooting in California and why many productions are looking elsewhere.
Affleck Reflects on Filming in Los Angeles
Despite the challenges in California, Affleck has continued to film in and around Los Angeles.
His recent films, The Accountant and Animal, both had parts filmed in the city.
The actor has been a part of the “Stay in L.A.” movement, which aims to keep production in Los Angeles and maintain its historic role as the heart of the film industry.
Ben Affleck Talks About His Struggles in the Batman Suit
In another revealing interview, Affleck shared a less glamorous side of being Batman.
He spoke candidly about his disdain for the iconic Batsuit, calling it “horrendous” to wear.
“They’re incredibly hot, for one thing,” he explained, adding that the suits don’t breathe and were made to look a certain way with no consideration for the actor wearing it.
Affleck described how he would begin sweating as soon as he put the suit on, and that the heat would only intensify once the cowl was put on.
The Struggles of Wearing the Batsuit
Affleck wasn’t alone in feeling the discomfort of the Batsuit.
He noted that even the highly-trained stunt performers, such as parkour experts and action specialists, could only endure wearing the suit for about 45 minutes before experiencing the risk of heatstroke.
“It just made it difficult to make the movie because it was so hot,” he said, explaining that the suits were a significant hurdle in filming.
Feeling Like a Hero—Despite the Sweat
The intense heat and discomfort also impacted how Affleck felt in his role as the superhero.
“It does not make you feel very heroic,” he said, describing how he would sweat profusely while trying to appear strong and composed.
“You’re instantly exhausted and really sweaty,” he continued.
Affleck humorously mimicked wiping sweat from his brow, saying, “We can go again, I’m fine, I’m good.”