Las Vegas looks to join Atlanta as the next film production hotspot while California tries to combat Hollywood’s slump

Core Viewpoint - Nevada labor unions are advocating for tax credits to attract Hollywood filmmaking to the state, aiming to boost jobs and tourism in Las Vegas [1][2]. Group 1: Tax Credit Proposal - The proposal includes up to $95 million in tax credits for Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery to establish a film production facility in the Las Vegas suburbs [2]. - The unions are pushing to revive this proposal during an expected special legislative session next month [2][3]. - To qualify for the tax credits, a total of $400 million must be spent on building a studio and $1.8 billion on a mixed-use development, with Sony and Warner Bros. needing to invest $4.5 billion over 15 years [7]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The proposed film studios are expected to create 19,000 construction jobs, which supporters argue will also attract tourists to Las Vegas [4][8]. - Las Vegas is currently facing an 11.3% decline in visitors, highlighting the need for new attractions like film studios to revitalize tourism [8]. - Comparatively, cities like Atlanta have seen significant growth in their film industries due to more generous tax incentives, which has led to increased tourism and job creation [5][10]. Group 3: Opposition to the Proposal - The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) opposes the tax credit proposal, arguing it is fiscally irresponsible and would yield only $0.52 in tax revenue for every $1 in credits [13][15]. - Critics emphasize that funds allocated to corporate tax incentives could be better spent on public services, such as education and healthcare [15][16].