OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO

RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR

April 2, 2019

Mr. Sanford Panitch
Chairman and CEO

Sony Pictures

10202 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, California 90232

Dear Mr. Panitch:

We are deeply concerned about the passage of HB 481 in Georgia, the adverse impact it
will have on women in the state, and the message it will send at a time when women?s hard-won
constitutional rights are under assault from reactionary, extremist forces across the country.

We stand with women and men in Georgia and across America who have stood up and
spoken out against HB 481, including leaders in the ?lm and television industry who have called
for a boycott on current and future production projects in Georgia should the Governor sign this
measure into law. As the Writers Guild of America noted in their condemnation of HB 481,
?This law would make Georgia an inhospitable place for those in the ?lm and television industry

to work.?

By contrast, we not only offer the ?lm and television industries diverse, cost?effective,
and hospitable places to produce your work, we share your values and commitment to women?s
equality.

Chicago and Illinois are home to well-established and fast?growing ?lm, television, and
media production landscapes. Last year, Chicago alone was home to 520 ?lm, television, and
media productions. Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, already home to 31 sound stages, is
expanding and will soon be the largest ?lm studio in the country. The Illinois Film Of?ce awards
a 30 percent tax credit to ?lm, television, and advertising productions for quali?ed expenditures
on local crew, goods, and services.

New Jersey is considered the of the movie industry and has been the setting for
hundreds of ?lms and television productions. The Garden State offers a range of ?nancial
incentives including tax credits of up to 30 percent of production costs, a diversity of locations,

unparalleled access, and a workforce that ranks among the greatest concentration of ?lm and
television professionals outside of Hollywood.

We agree the industry should align your values with where you spend your money and
boycott states not aligned with your progressive ideals. When those values are under attack, you
have the responsibility and opportunity to leverage your power to make a difference.

Our cities and states are home to some of America?s most creative, hard-working, and
innovative production professionals. While we stand together in defense of the rights of our
residents, we respectfully invite you to consider our locations for your future productions.

Sincerely,

Maw

Mayor
Pritzker
Governor of Illinois

Phil Murphy
Governor of New Jersey