Lawmakers want to create $5 million in new tax credits for TV and film directors and producers who work in New York — but only if they’re minorities or women.
Legislation introduced in both the Assembly and state Senate would require the state to set aside the funds from the existing $420 million Empire State Film Production Tax Credit.
The subsidies would be capped at $50,000 for each covered writer and director per filmed episode, with a $150,000 cap per season.
One government watchdog slammed the tax credit as another taxpayer giveaway to the film industry.
“It’s the epitome of corporate welfare. This is taxpayer-subsidized affirmative action,” said E.J. McMahon of the Empire Center for Public Policy.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Marisol Alcantara (D-Manhattan) and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (D-Bronx, right), has the strong backing of groups representing writers and directors.
Industry reps lobbied in Albany last month for the new credit, saying it would bolster diversity.
© 2017 New York Post
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