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Hawai’i’s vibrant and lush landscapes have long served as a backdrop for the mesmerizing world of film and television. From iconic movies like Jurassic Park to beloved TV series like Hawaii Five-0, the Aloha State has been a playground for creative minds in the entertainment industry. However, behind the scenes, the paradise hasn’t always extended to the people who work tirelessly to bring these productions to life. Wage slavery practices have been a dark underbelly of the industry, exploiting workers through 1099 contract hiring while still claiming the State Film Tax Credit. Enter SB2858 – a proposed bill that aims to revolutionize the industry and end these unjust practices.

Understanding SB2858

SB2858 is a groundbreaking piece of legislation focusing on the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit in Hawai’i. The bill addresses a critical issue that has plagued the film and TV industry for years – misclassifying workers as independent contractors, resulting in subpar wages and a lack of benefits.

Key Provisions:

1. Call Sheets and Payroll Information: One of the primary provisions of SB2858 requires qualified productions claiming the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit to submit call sheets and payroll information. This seemingly simple requirement is a game-changer, ensuring transparency and accountability in the hiring process.
2. Definition of Local Hire: SB2858 clarifies that individuals listed on a qualified production’s call sheet who are hired or classified as independent contractors shall not be considered local hires. This provision is crucial because it prevents companies from exploiting the tax credit while undermining the local workforce.
3. Exemptions for Independent Contractors: The bill takes a bold step by exempting wages or salaries paid to individuals listed on a qualified production’s call sheet who are paid as independent contractors from the definition of “qualified production costs.” This change ensures that independent contractors do not become the scapegoats for keeping production costs down, allowing them to earn fair wages for their hard work.

The Fight Against Wage Slavery

SB2858 is a beacon of hope for those who have toiled behind the scenes in the Hawai’ian film and TV industry, often facing the harsh realities of wage slavery. The bill’s provisions empower workers, promote fairness, and send a clear message that the paradise of Hawai’i should extend to everyone involved in the creative process.

1. Transparency: By mandating the submission of call sheets and payroll information, SB2858 brings transparency to the hiring process. No longer can companies hide behind the guise of independent contracting to underpay and mistreat workers.
2. Local Talent Protection: The bill safeguards local talent by ensuring that individuals hired as independent contractors do not bypass the local hire requirements. This prevents companies from exploiting tax credits at the expense of Hawai’i’s workforce.
3. Fair Wages: Perhaps the most significant impact of SB2858 is its stance on exempting independent contractor wages from qualified production costs. This measure ensures that those who work tirelessly behind the scenes receive the compensation they deserve without compromise.

Conclusion

SB2858 represents a watershed moment for Hawai’i’s film and TV industry. It signals the state’s commitment to eradicating wage slavery practices that have long marred the lives of those who bring cinematic dreams to life. By demanding transparency, protecting local talent, and ensuring fair wages, this bill is a ray of hope that shines a light on the path to a more equitable future for the industry.

Support for SB2858 is not only a matter of policy but also a matter of heart. It’s about recognizing the humanity and dedication of the talented individuals who make Hawai’i’s cinematic magic happen. By rallying behind this bill, we can ensure that the Aloha State’s paradise extends to all – both in front of and behind the camera.

To learn more about this bill and to track it, visit:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2858&year=2024

“You know how to use that thing?”

“Point and shoot, right?”

Chuck was a flop with weapons. He tried his hardest to stay away from trouble, so he never had to brandish a gun until now. He had seen the barrel of many a gun these past few weeks, many more than he had seen in his entire lifetime. Although he was hesitant, he knew this was for the best.

Chuck was allergic to dying.

“Do you carry any personal shields? Something small and easy to carry, maybe?”

“I’ve got just the thing!” The Tek smuggler pulled out a fancy briefcase and opened it up for Chuck. “Feast your eyes on these!”

“They look just like watches.”

“To the naked eye, yes, but these are no ordinary watches. For the simple asking price of twelve hundred, you could be invisible to the naked eye.”

“Invisible? Do I get a demo?”

“Does this look like the cosmetics counter at the mall?” The dealer was getting irritated. “There’s an instructional vid chip in every box. You’re more than welcome to it once our transaction is complete.”

“These things come with a warranty?”

Chuck wasn’t too bright, when it came to the arms dealing business, he was obviously a greenhorn. He quickly produced the creds and the dealer got to counting.

“Looks good on my end. Go ahead and load up on your purchases.”

“Do you have a bag or something I can put this stuff in?”

“This isn’t a grocery store. You put the gun in a holster, you put the watch on your wrist.”

“Cloaking band.”

“Right. You put the cloaking band on your wrist and…”

“I don’t have a holster.”

“Why kind of guy who buys a gun, doesn’t have a holster?”

“It’s my first gun.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so? First-timers always get a holster!”

Chuck reached for a nice leather one he could wear over his shoulders.

“That’ll be fifty.”

“But you said first-timers always get a holster.”

“Yeah, they get one. I didn’t say they was free.”

Chuck coughed up the creds.