As a small business owner in the transportation industry, I understand the unique challenges companies like mine face to keep our doors open in New York. I also understand how tax incentives, like the one supporting a thriving film and TV production industry here in our state, can make all the difference for our clients in this sector and countless small businesses across the state.
New York has long been a powerhouse in film and television production, but in recent years faces increased competition from other states that aggressively court productions with tax incentives of their own. Georgia, California, and even Canada have all ramped up their efforts, luring away projects that could have been filmed right here in our local communities.
When productions choose New York, businesses like mine—along with countless other small, locally owned companies—thrive. Without this crucial incentive, the industry risks shrinking, and with it, the livelihoods of thousands of workers and business owners who help keep it running.
My company, Walton Hauling, is just one example of how a thriving film industry helps support countless small businesses like mine. One hundred percent of our business comes from the film and television industry, and their success is a testament to our own success.
I started working in this industry over 30 years ago in a custodial role cleaning truck cargo beds. In 2012, my brother and I bought Walton Hauling and relocated the company to Greenpoint to be closer to the many film production studios where our clients operate.
Walton Hauling had 22 trucks in its fleet when I took over in 2012. Since then, we’ve been able to grow our fleet to its current size of 200 trucks delivering and transporting supplies and equipment to productions of all sizes across the five boroughs. This expansion was made possible only by the film tax credit, which drew more productions and therefore more business to our company.
For companies like mine, the economic ripple effect of a single production is enormous. When a TV show or film sets up in New York, they need trucks—lots of them—to transport set pieces, lighting, costumes, and other essential equipment. My company supplies these services, but we’re not alone. Caterers, construction workers, dry cleaners, florists, equipment rental shops, security firms and more all benefit from the presence of a strong film industry. Each production directly translates into jobs, contracts, and revenue that sustain families and neighborhoods. At Walton Hauling, we’re proud to say that all of our truck drivers are Teamsters Local 817 union members, whose high-paying jobs are made possible in large part by the film tax credit.
Some argue that these tax credits benefit only large Hollywood studios, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The real beneficiaries are the small businesses, vendors, and crews who depend on the film industry to pay their mortgages, send their kids to school, and keep their doors open. When productions leave New York, these jobs don’t just disappear—they move elsewhere, taking their economic benefits with them. Without the film tax credit, New York would see fewer productions, and businesses like mine would struggle to survive.
New York has a chance to remain a global leader in film and television, but it requires investment and commitment. The film tax credit is not just a handout to an industry; it’s an investment in the economic stability of small businesses like mine and the hardworking people who keep New York’s film industry moving. Let’s keep the cameras rolling and ensure that businesses across the state continue to benefit from the opportunities that film and television bring.
Tommy Kharieh is the owner of Walton Hauling.
