The California Film Commission has approved 22 new television projects through its Film and Television Tax Credit Program, following a significant expansion of the initiative in July. The recent round saw a nearly 400% increase in applications compared to previous rounds for television projects.
Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the development, stating: “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.”
The selected productions are expected to bring $1.1 billion in spending to California’s economy, with $714 million identified as qualified expenditures and $413 million as qualified wages. These projects will account for more than 1,100 filming days across various regions of California.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, said: “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.”
Of these 22 shows, five are renewals, two are relocating from other states to California, and fifteen are new series—including one limited series and three pilots. The combined efforts are projected to employ approximately 6,500 cast and crew members along with 46,100 background performers (measured in days worked). While most filming will take place in Los Angeles County, four productions plan to shoot at least partly outside that region.
Highlights among this round include a new Hulu drama from Dan Fogelman (creator of “This Is Us”); a new HBO series by Larry David; second seasons for 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”; Kenya Barris’s pilot “Group Chat” for Hulu; as well as Tom Segura’s Netflix series “Bad Thoughts,” which is relocating from Texas.
Kenya Barris expressed appreciation for being able to film locally: “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 also noted benefits provided by the program: “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 via resources provided by state agencies.
