A strange thing is happening in Hollywood right now. And it should make every Nevada taxpayer stop and think.
They’re bringing actors back from the dead.
A recent report highlighted how filmmakers are using artificial intelligence to recreate actor Val Kilmer for a new movie, even though he passed away last year after battling cancer.
The director told Variety the decision came down to cost and technology. It was cheaper to use AI than to hire a new actor.
That’s not science fiction. That’s happening today.
And here in Nevada, some politicians – including some Republicans – still want to spend taxpayer money to build a massive film studio in our backyard.
Let that sink in.
We’re being asked to subsidize an industry that is already replacing its own workers with machines.
A Risky Bet with Your Money
Supporters say the proposed film tax credit, what many of us call the “Hollywood Handout,” will bring jobs and economic growth to Nevada.
That sounds nice. Who doesn’t want more jobs?
But here’s the problem.
Those promises are based on an industry that is changing fast. Faster than government can keep up.
If studios can now create digital actors and voices, they don’t need as many people on set. They don’t need as many extras, crew members, or even major stars.
That means fewer jobs. Not more.
It’s like spending millions to build a video rental store right as streaming takes over.
We’ve Seen This Movie Before
This isn’t the first time government has tried to pick winners and losers.
Across the country, film tax credits have a mixed track record at best. Reports from places like New York and California have shown that these programs often cost more than they bring in.
The Wall Street Journal has noted that many states end up paying far more in subsidies than they receive in long-term economic benefit.
In plain terms, taxpayers lose.
And once these deals are in place, they’re hard to undo.
Nevada Families Come First
Right now, families in Southern Nevada are dealing with rising costs.
Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Housing costs more.
So it’s fair to ask.
Why should your tax dollars go toward a risky Hollywood project when that money could stay in your pocket or go toward real priorities like public safety and education?
We don’t need to gamble on Hollywood. We’re already good at gambling here in Nevada, and we know the house usually wins.
My Opponent Supports It
This is where the choice becomes clear.
My Republican primary opponent, appointed Assemblyman Jason Patchett, voted for the Hollywood Handout during the special session in November.
He thinks it’s a swell idea. I see it as a risk. A big one.
Because once taxpayer money is committed, there’s no easy way to get it back if the project doesn’t deliver.
And if AI continues to reshape the industry, as we’re already seeing, this project could become outdated before it even reaches its full potential.
A Smarter Path Forward
I’m not against economic growth. Not at all.
But it has to make sense. It has to be sustainable. And it shouldn’t depend on government picking favorites or handing out special deals.
Nevada has plenty of ways to grow our economy without putting taxpayers on the hook for a declining business model.
We should focus on industries that are expanding, not ones being replaced by the very technology they’re now using to survive.
Hollywood is changing right before our eyes. When studios can replace actors with AI to save money, that tells you everything you need to know.
The last thing Nevada should do is write a big check to chase an industry that may not look the same in just a few years.
We can do better than that. And we should.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
