California should directly invest in film projects

California's film and TV industry is facing tough challenges. To overcome this, some experts suggest a bold idea: the state should invest directly in film projects instead of just offering tax credits and incentives. This approach could help bring more production back to California and create a thriving industry. Other countries, like the UK and France, already use this model. They provide cash investments in films and share in the profits, which helps sustain their film industries. California, with a much larger economy than those countries, is missing out by not adopting similar practices. Many filmmakers are leaving California for more affordable states, and recent fires have worsened the situation for many. To address this crisis, California could finance films by covering up to 100% of their costs. By taking a stake in successful films, the state could earn significant returns and become a key player in the industry. To avoid bias in choosing projects, California could create an independent board of industry veterans to oversee investment decisions. This would ensure that funding goes to films with artistic and commercial value. With this change, California could not only support its film heritage but also boost job creation and tax revenue. Direct investments can help reclaim California's position as a leader in the film industry. The time to act is now, before more productions leave and the chance to safeguard California's cultural legacy fades.