Julian Velard

The key to long-term success in the music industry is strategy. This guide provides actionable steps to help artists grow their audience, maximize opportunities, and achieve measurable results. Download it here // https://bit.ly/42L2kSL

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Wonderful news for the TV, Film, and Animation Industry in CA... The proposed $750M a year TV & FILM tax incentive has been approved by lawmakers, and a formal vote should be held on Friday. And it doesn't stop here. To reverse the declining industry in CA, The California Film Commission awarded $96 million in tax incentives to 48 films, 43 of which are independent projects, and many working w/budgets no greater than $10 million. https://lnkd.in/g7pc_Ha6

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Hollywood Heavyweights Travel To Sacramento for a $750 Million Lifeline - new article: https://lnkd.in/gDNj7imJ - plus FilmLA Wins Five-Year Contract Renewal Despite Criticism From Industry Workers - new article: https://lnkd.in/gYGkC__3 - plus The city’s complicated & expensive permitting process has received a fair amount of criticism this year amid discussions about how to revive California’s film & television industry, which has dwindled at the hands of runaway production over the last decade - new article: https://lnkd.in/ghFXqWAp

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Getting music sync’d for over a decade isn’t about making the “best” track. It’s about being reliable. Music supervisors and publishers don’t chase geniuses. They work repeatedly with the people who: • Deliver on time • Send clean stems • Provide alt mixes • Label their files clearly Talent gets attention. Professionalism gets repeat business.

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ALERT TO CALIFORNIA PRODUCERS: Major Film & TV Tax Credit Expansion & Key Dates   California has significantly expanded its Film & TV Tax Credit Program to boost local production and jobs.   Application Windows (Under New CA 4.0 Program): - Television Series (New, Relocating, Pilot, Limited, Recurring): July 7 – 9, 2025 - Independent & Non-Independent Feature Films: August 25 – 27, 2025   AB 132 (Funding) - Approved & Signed: Assembly Bill 132 was signed by Governor Newsom on Friday, June 27th, and takes effect July 1, 2025. - Funding: Annual cap increased from $330 million to $750 million for five years. This makes CA one of the most generous states for capped film incentives.   AB 1138 (Program Changes) - Expected Passage: This companion bill, expected to pass and take effect before July 4th, introduces significant improvements. While not signed as of today, July 2nd, reports indicate it's imminent.   Key Program Changes (Effective July 1, 2025, with AB 1138 passage):   - Enhanced Credit Rates: Base credit jumps from 20% to 35%. An additional 5% uplift (total 40%) for filming outside Los Angeles County.   - Expanded Eligibility (California Spend $1M+):   * Animated series/films   * Multi-camera sitcoms (animated, scripted, large-scale competition shows <30 min)   * Large-scale competition shows   * TV shows with episodes <30 minutes  Exclusions still apply for reality, documentary, game/talk shows, and above-the-line labor.   Workforce & Equity:  - 2% Bonus for Trainees: Additional credit for hiring 1-4 trainees from targeted programs serving underserved communities (in addition to union crew).  - Expanded Reporting: Productions must report ZIP codes and veteran status, in addition to race, ethnicity, and gender, for workforce inclusion. California Tax Credit Refundability (Major Change July 1, 2025):  - All qualified applicants can elect refundability.  - Electing refundability means receiving 90% of the credit paid over five years, regardless of tax liability.  - Non-refundable option still requires CA income/sales tax liability or independent producer transfer option. This significant investment is expected to support 40-50% more jobs, translating to roughly 4,400 to 5,500 new industry jobs, reclaiming California's position as a leading production hub. Entertainment Partners California Film Commission FilmLA California Production Coalition #StayinLA #StayinCA

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New 35% Tax Credit Proposal Aims to Keep Cameras Rolling in California. California is back in the game—or at least it’s trying to be. A newly amended version of Senate Bill 630 is proposing a major revamp of the state’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program, with a headline-grabbing 35% credit on in-state production costs, and the possibility of an additional 5% kicker for shooting outside of Los Angeles. If approved, this would mark the most dramatic expansion of California’s incentive program since it launched in 2009. The bill also proposes broadening eligibility to include shorter TV episodes (20 minutes or more), animated content, and certain large-scale unscripted shows—think competition series, not reality TV or talk shows. The goal is clear: modernize the program, keep productions in California, and stop the talent drain to states (and countries) that offer juicier incentives. For comparison, California’s current 20% base rate is no longer cutting it against aggressive competitors like New York, Georgia, or the UK. As streaming platforms tighten belts and the industry rebounds from multiple strikes, fewer projects are choosing to stay in-state. That’s where SB 630 steps in: raising the annual cap from $330 million to $750 million, and loosening some long-standing restrictions (like minimum episode lengths and rigid soundstage lease requirements). John Prabhu of LA North Studios summed it up bluntly: “Every day we lose productions—and jobs—to other states. If we want to keep Hollywood in Hollywood, we have to act now.” The local response? Overwhelming support. Groups like Stay in LA are pushing hard for the overhaul, backed not just by filmmakers but also by local businesses—from dry cleaners to tech vendors—who understand what’s at stake. When production leaves town, it’s not just studios that take a hit—it’s the entire creative ecosystem. That said, California still bars above-the-line costs like director, actor, and producer salaries from being factored into incentives—a sticking point as other hubs allow those expenses to count toward rebates. Bottom line: This is California’s strongest move yet to stay competitive in the modern production landscape. Now it’s up to lawmakers to decide whether the Golden State stays golden—or continues to bleed content (and cash) to more tax-friendly rivals. https://lnkd.in/gjeWhPvd

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Mastering music industry terminology doesn't always come easy. Our Music Publishing Glossary is here to help you make sense of key industry terms. Whether you're preparing for a meeting with a music executive or just beginning to explore the world of music publishing, this guide offers straightforward definitions to support your journey as a creator, rights holder, or industry professional. Get started🔖: https://songtr.st/4mQ5BHZ

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