Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 14
David Ellison Lobbies House Republicans for Film Tax Credit as 12 States Sue Over $111 Billion Merger
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 14

David Ellison Lobbies House Republicans for Film Tax Credit as 12 States Sue Over $111 Billion Merger

3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 14

Summary

  • David Ellison and chief legal officer Makan Delrahim met House Ways and Means Republicans on Monday night to press a bipartisan federal film tax credit bill, with Ellison making several Washington trips on the issue.
  • The incentive would stack on top of state tax credits, potentially boosting Ellison’s current studio and a combined Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery if the $111 billion merger closes.
  • Twelve state attorneys general, led by California’s Rob Bonta, sued the same day to block that merger, complicating plans that had already won Justice Department approval on June 12.
  • Trump has stayed mostly quiet since floating a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies in 2025, but Ellison’s ties to the president could help the proposal as Schiff, Friedman and Jon Voight’s team remain involved.

Insights

With states suing to block its $111B merger, can Hollywood's lobbying also secure a massive new federal tax break?
If studies show film tax incentives fail, why is a new federal program being seriously considered for the industry?
After federal approval, why are a dozen states now the biggest obstacle to the Paramount-Warner Bros. mega-merger?