California won’t fight to keep the “Tonight Show.”
The head of the state’s powerful film commission says it has no resources available to prevent the program from returning to New York when Jimmy Fallon takes over in 2014.
“There is certainly no pending legislation that would affect this type of production,” says commission director Amy Lemisch. “This situation is unique.”
The “Tonight Show” originated at 30 Rock before relocating to Burbank in 1972 with host Johnny Carson.
By moving back to Manhattan, NBC will be eligible to receive a 30 percent tax credit through 2019 — something the Golden State can’t match.
“Our [tax incentive] program is designed for scripted dramas,” Lemisch says.
The move is the latest blow to the LA entertainment scene.
Just yesterday, MTV announced plans to bring the 2013 Video Music Awards to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in August.
But the “Tonight” move may not be motivated by money alone.
“It is being done because Jimmy Fallon convinced NBC that his show has to be done in New York,” says Kevin Klowden, director of the California Center at the Milken Institute.
“With a comedy or variety show, you need a significant writing staff. Jimmy Fallon is in New York and probably most of the writers he wants to use are in New York.”
Even with generous tax incentives, it is not much cheaper to produce a show in New York — “Because the cost of living is higher,” Klowden says.
Relocating “Tonight” will likely result in the loss of at least 100 jobs.
While state officials won’t press to keep production on the West Coast, Burbank Mayor Dave Golonski says he plans to continue lobbying NBC to reconsider the move.
The network has so far declined to respond to a letter he sent late last week.
“We are going to work as hard as we can to let NBC know how much we appreciate having the ‘Tonight Show’ here,” he says.
Letter from Burbank mayor about The Tonight Show move to NY by New York Post