ARIZONA FILM INSIDER - SEPTEMBER 2026
FEDERAL PRODUCTION UPDATE
The proposed bipartisan U.S. Federal Film Incentive was officially introduced on September 24th as the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. While this is a major development, it's important to emphasize that we are still at the very earliest stage of the legislative process.
At a high level, the current version of the bill creates a new 20 percent federal credit on qualified U.S. labor, with up to four 5 percent uplifts, bringing the potential credit to 30 percent for productions that meet specific criteria such as rural opportunity zones, disaster areas, independent producers, multi-state operations, or increases in domestic production. The current bill does not include a salary cap, program cap, or sunset date – something that can be expected to change.
If this incentive moves forward, it could spark a meaningful shift in where productions choose to land and strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. labor overall. The Olsberg SPI study offers a glimpse of what that impact might be, estimating more than 125 billion dollars in new production spending nationwide.
For Arizona, the federal incentive could create new momentum for the state's production industry. Stacking federal and state incentives would give producers a stronger financial reason to consider locating projects here. In turn, this could help attract a wider mix of productions, encourage continued investment in local crew and vendors, and open doors for both independent and studio driven work. However, it is doubtful the bill will advance this session unless it becomes part of a broader tax package. Best to consider the current activity as a movie trailer with a future release date in early 2027!
You can show your support by joining IATSE in sending letters to Congress.
ARIZONA PRODUCTION UPDATE
Live Event on Federal Film Credit
Join us on Monday October 5th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at First Studio for pizza, drinks, and presentations on the new federal film incentive and how it can help strengthen our nation's film industry and support our Arizona based film community of freelancers and small businesses.
Congressman Greg Stanton and congressional candidate Dr. Amish Shah will be there live. This is a free event for all members of the Arizona film community, but please RSVP at mail@randymurrayproductions.com so we know how much pizza to buy.
It is important that the Arizona based film community have representation at the table as the legislation is being hammered out. Your voice is important, be part of the discussion.
Arizona's Film Incentive Is on the Ballot
The race for Attorney General between Kris Mayes and Warren Petersen will likely determine the fate of the Arizona Film Incentive.
Senate President Warren Petersen filed an amicus brief supporting Goldwater's challenge to the film incentive. Petersen is now running against incumbent Attorney General Kris Mayes in the November 3 general election. Your vote matters.
INSIDE THE AZ LEGISLATURE
Goldwater Lawsuit Update: Case Remains on Appeal
There is little new to report in the ongoing legal challenge to Arizona's Motion Picture Production Program, but the case remains one the Arizona Film Coalition continues to closely watch.
To summarize: The Goldwater Institute filed its lawsuit in January 2025, arguing that Arizona's refundable motion picture production tax credits violate the state Constitution's Gift Clause. In November 2025, the Maricopa County Superior Court rejected Goldwater's challenge and upheld the film tax credit program. Goldwater subsequently appealed that ruling, and the case is now before the Arizona Court of Appeals. As of this newsletter, there has been no new substantive ruling that changes the status of the program.
While the legal challenge continues, it is also important to remember that the value of a production incentive is not measured only project by project. Programs like Arizona's are designed to help create the conditions for a lasting and sustainable production industry, and that takes time and stability. Productions bring immediate spending, but a sustained pipeline can also support the development of an experienced local workforce, production vendors, equipment companies, facilities, training programs and the many Arizona businesses that serve the industry.
In the meantime, the industry continues the longer-term work of building the workforce, businesses and infrastructure necessary to turn Arizona's early momentum into a sustainable production economy.
Arizona Voters Head Toward a Busy November Election
Election season is officially underway, and Arizona voters will once again have plenty to consider when ballots arrive this fall.
The 2026 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Early voting begins just two days later, on October 7. Voters can register, check their registration status and find additional election information through the Arizona Secretary of State's Office.
While midterm elections generally draw fewer voters than presidential-election years, Arizona's 2026 ballot will determine a significant portion of state government. For comparison, turnout among registered Arizona voters was 62.56% in the 2022 midterm election, compared with 78.49% in the 2024 presidential election.
Every seat in the Arizona Legislature will be on the ballot this November: all 30 seats in the State Senate and all 60 seats in the House of Representatives. Arizona voters will also elect most of the state's statewide executive officers, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor (for the first time in our state's history), Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Mine Inspector. Two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission are also up for election.
Those races matter to Arizona's film industry, particularly the Attorney General race as noted above. The Governor and Legislature will help shape the policy and budget environment surrounding Arizona's Motion Picture Production Program over the next four years, while other statewide offices can play important roles in the broader business and regulatory environment.
In addition to candidate races, Arizona voters will also see statewide ballot measures this November. The Secretary of State maintains the official 2026 election information, including candidate listings and ballot measure language, for voters who want to learn more before ballots arrive.
With so many state offices and policy questions before voters, the November election will have implications well beyond a typical midterm cycle, including for our industry. Whatever your political perspective, make sure your registration is current and make your voice heard.
INSIDE FILM TUCSON
Buenos Aires-based Primo Content shot a Banner Health commercial, hiring more than a dozen local crew for a two-day shoot. Film Tucson worked closely with the producer and location scouts to secure locations aligned with their creative vision. Monsoon Production Services supported this project, which was brought in by Scottsdale-based producer Julie Cook from Arizona Production Services.
The Center for Cinematographic Training (CCC)—one of Mexico's two premier film schools—welcomed our Senior Production Manager, Mónica López, for a master class on how film commissions support and streamline productions. Speaking to film students and up-and-coming filmmakers, she shared insights on how Film Tucson can assist with location scouting, permitting, crew, vendor referrals, and local logistics to help productions thrive.
Film Tucson attended the Toronto International Film Festival Market from September 11th–15th, exhibiting under the FilmUSA umbrella with fellow U.S. film commissions. Mónica López met with producers and directors to highlight our region's production-friendly environment and the advantages of Arizona's state film incentives. The trip generated several qualified leads and invitations to scout locations in Southern Arizona.
INSIDE PHOENIX FILM OFFICE
As the weather shifts, productions are returning to outdoor locations and activity across Greater Phoenix is quickly increasing.
Several projects have already rolled cameras this month, including (but not limited to): myQ (commercial), Speed Goes Pro (YouTube series), 90 Day Fiancé (reality TV), and the Phoenix Suns (commercial). Collectively, these projects, along with additional shoots not listed, are expected to generate more than 60 shoot days, 1.5 million dollars in direct spending, 150 crew hires, 47 talent roles, and more than 1,300 hotel room nights.
This seasonal shift happens every year, but early momentum looks promising for a busy fall ahead as productions return to parks, neighborhoods, and other signature locations.
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