Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that 22 television projects have been approved for tax credits under the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. This follows an expansion of the program in July, which more than doubled the available funding for film and television productions in the state. The latest round saw a nearly 400% increase in applications compared to previous rounds.
The approved projects are expected to generate approximately $1.1 billion in economic activity throughout California. This includes $714 million in qualified expenditures and $413 million in qualified wages, with more than 1,100 filming days projected statewide. The productions will employ around 6,500 cast and crew members and create work for about 46,100 background performers (measured in days worked). While most filming is set for Los Angeles, four projects will shoot at least partially outside the region.
Governor Newsom said, “California has long been the entertainment capital of the world — and the newly expanded film and TV tax credit program is keeping it that way. This program means paychecks for middle-class workers, opportunities for small businesses and investment in communities up and down the state. We’re not just protecting our legacy — we’re reminding the world why the Golden State remains the beating heart of film and television.”
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, stated, “The Film and Television Tax Credit Program is meeting the challenge of creating jobs and keeping productions here at home. These 22 television projects will employ thousands of Californians and generate hundreds of millions for our state’s economy. Most importantly, they will keep world-class talent and crews here, ensuring California drives the future of storytelling.”
Among this round’s highlights are new pilots such as a Hulu drama from Dan Fogelman (“This Is Us,” “Paradise”) produced by 20th Television; a new HBO series by Larry David; second seasons of Lionsgate’s Emmy-nominated “The Studio” (Apple TV+) and Warner Bros.’s Emmy-nominated “Presumed Innocent” (Apple TV+); Sony Pictures Television’s “S.W.A.T. EXILES”; CBS Studios’ “NCIS: Origins”; as well as Kenya Barris’ new pilot “Group Chat” from 20th Television for Hulu.
Two series are relocating to California: Tom Segura’s Netflix show “Bad Thoughts” is moving production from Texas.
Kenya Barris commented on receiving support through the tax credit: “I am thrilled that we are going to be able to shoot ‘Group Chat’ in Los Angeles thanks to the California Film Commission tax credit. As an LA native, I feel lucky to have been able to shoot so many projects here throughout my career and love that we’ll be able to continue spotlighting our incredible city, its people and the culture. Not only does this credit allow us to work with the best crews and craftspeople around but, more importantly, it allows us to create jobs and support the LA film community at a time when it’s more important than ever.”
Producer Manny Halley added: “This bold program, designed by the California Film Commission, is incredibly clever and allows us to keep our film and TV productions in our preferred shooting destination – California. The state’s diverse locations and unmatched infrastructure provide everything we need for any project and pave the way for the creation of hundreds of jobs on every shoot, which is something we’re incredibly proud of. We’re thankful to be amongst those selected to participate in the program and are excited to begin production on the next installments of our ‘True to the Game’ and ‘Angel’ franchises, right here in California this year.”
A full list of productions included in this round can be found on the official website.
