Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that 17 television projects have been selected to receive awards through California’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program. This initiative is expected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity across the state. With this latest round, the total economic impact from the first two TV application windows of Program 4.0 exceeds $2.5 billion.
According to Governor Newsom, “California’s creative economy isn’t just part of who we are — it helps power this state forward. From the folks on the soundstage to the people designing the sets, these are jobs that anchor communities. And when we make smart investments like our film tax credit, we’re keeping talent here at home, supporting good-paying union jobs, and strengthening an industry that defines the California brand. I’m proud to see the return of Baywatch where it belongs — on sunny California shores, creating jobs and fueling the very entertainment economy that sets this state apart.”
The selected projects are anticipated to employ about 5,165 cast and crew members and provide work for nearly 36,000 background performers over approximately 1,000 filming days statewide. The current round will bring $902 million in qualified in-state spending, including $487 million in wages.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, stated: “California continues to prove that when we invest in our creative workforce, the industry invests right back in us. These series aren’t just coming home, they’re bringing thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in wages, and long-term economic value to our state. The momentum we’re seeing is exactly what this program was designed to deliver.”
Among the notable shows relocating production to California are The Night Agent season 4 (from New York), Mr. and Mrs. Smith season 2 (from New Jersey), and Baywatch (from Hawaii and international locations). Together these three series will employ almost 1,000 local cast and crew members with $116 million allocated for qualified wages.
Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment commented: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside our partners at the California Film Commission to create an economically sustainable path for keeping a production like Baywatch – so spectacularly tied to this great city and state – right here in Los Angeles… This collaboration between government and entertainment truly shows what’s possible when we work together to support local jobs and economic growth, while showcasing the stunning California coast for audiences around the world.”
Matt Nix, Executive Producer and Showrunner of Baywatch said: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show. I started the job in the wake of the California wildfires that devastated the coast and nearly destroyed my house… I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showing the beauty and possibility of this incredible place… Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper from Fremantle added: “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio and continues to be one of the most iconic television series worldwide. We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program… Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning productions also include Fallout Season 3 (Amazon), which moved its production back for its second season; it now plans $166 million in qualified spending for its third season—a significant increase compared with prior seasons.
Jonathan Nolan (Director/Writer/Producer) noted: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are so grateful… We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start.”
Other returning shows include Blood Ties Season 2 & Lot Patrol Season 2 (Imani Media Group) as well as Forever Season 2 (Netflix). Mara Brock Akil (Executive Producer) remarked: “I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception… This show is both a love story and a love letter to Los Angeles—the city that raised me…” Manny Halley (Producer) said: “Our continued partnership with the California Film Commission allows us to keep our film and television productions in the state…”
Additionally, four new series along with two pilots have been approved under NBC Universal’s Soundstage Tax Credit Program—The Paper and Dig among them—expected collectively to hire more than 2,200 cast/crew members for over 345 filming days with $136 million allocated toward wages.
