Ben Affleck might be best known for his action-packed roles and dramatic performances, but behind the scenes, he’s proving to be just as sharp with numbers as the character he plays.
At the red carpet premiere of The Accountant 2 on Wednesday, Ben Affleck shifted the spotlight from Hollywood glamour to some serious economic realities — specifically California’s film and TV tax incentive program.
Speaking candidly to reporters, Affleck criticized the state’s complacency, warning that California may have taken the entertainment industry for granted. “They came to take this industry for granted a little bit,” he said, pointing to the sharp 22.4% drop in shoot days in Greater Los Angeles during the first quarter of 2025, as reported by FilmLA. For Ben Affleck, these numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re a wake-up call.
The actor-producer, known for taking on complex roles and producing high-budget films, voiced concern that California’s current incentive structure is no longer competitive. While he acknowledged Governor Gavin Newsom’s new proposal to increase annual tax incentives from $330 million to $750 million starting in fiscal year 2025–2026, Affleck noted that other regions are still offering more attractive packages.
“When you look at the percentage of what you get back based on your production budget, California just can’t compete with places like England,” Ben Affleck explained. “That’s why you’re seeing these huge blockbusters heading overseas.”
Affleck also mentioned several U.S. states outpacing California, including Georgia, Louisiana, and New Jersey, all of which provide more enticing tax rebates or exchange rate advantages. For Ben Affleck, the issue isn’t just financial — it’s about protecting the future of California’s creative workforce.
His remarks arrive just ahead of key legislative discussions on SB 630 and related proposals that aim to reshape the state’s incentive framework. These bills could raise tax credits from 20% to 35% for productions in Los Angeles and allow an additional 5% for projects located in economic opportunity zones.
In true Accountant fashion, Ben Affleck didn’t just walk the red carpet — he brought the spreadsheet with him. As he continues to balance blockbuster roles with behind-the-scenes advocacy, it’s clear that Ben’s got more than acting chops — he’s doing the math for the entire film industry.