Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that 52 film projects have been selected to receive tax credits under California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. The awarded projects, which include both major studio-backed and independent productions, are expected to bring nearly $1.4 billion into the state’s economy. This investment is projected to employ approximately 8,900 cast and crew members as well as 46,400 background performers across 1,664 filming days throughout California.
“The film and television industry is the cornerstone of California’s creative economy – revitalizing the job opportunities, business growth and economic prosperity for families. These investments reaffirm that California isn’t just where stories are told, it’s where the future of storytelling is built,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
This round of applications saw a significant increase in interest compared to previous years. The expanded program led to a record number of out-of-zone filming days—511 in total—outside Los Angeles County. Thirty-eight projects will be filmed in various counties such as Alameda, Contra Costa, Imperial, Inyo, Marin, Montecito, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Santa Clara. These productions are expected to support local businesses by spending on services including retail stores, grocers, hardware suppliers, hotels, construction companies, catering businesses, florists and local government services.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission (CFC), stated: “This round of awards demonstrates the outstanding scope of our program. We are welcoming projects from major franchises to independent films led by visionary artists. There’s real momentum building. With 52 new projects, we’re seeing storytelling thrive once again, creating thousands of jobs and supporting local businesses in communities across the state. California’s film industry is not just rebounding; it’s redefining what’s possible.”
Among the recipients are ten major studio or non-independent productions such as an untitled Jumanji sequel (Sony Pictures), Heat 2 (Forward Pass Inc.), Sunday (Blumhouse Films), an untitled Daniels project (NBC Universal), and The Fifth Wheel (Netflix).
Director Jake Kasdan commented: “I’m thrilled that the new Jumanji movie is going to be made in California. I have long looked forward to the day when the California Film Incentive would help us bring movies like this one back home — and now that it does, I am so grateful that ours will be among the first to take advantage of the new program. Making these big popcorn movies requires hundreds of specially-skilled people, and the world’s finest live in California.”
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Motion Picture Group at Sony Pictures Entertainment added: “We are delighted to be able to bring a large old school big screen movie to shoot in California thanks to the newly expanded California tax credit. The resultant work will bring jobs and revenue into the state at a much needed time and will help the filmmakers make the very best film possible.”
The majority of supported productions this round—42 out of 52—are independent films with budgets ranging from under $10 million up to over $10 million each. Notable independent projects include Epiphany starring Bill Murray and Kristen Wiig; A Tree is Blue produced by Dakota Johnson; Nightwatching produced by Mila Kunis; Untitled MMX Drama produced by Fred Berger; The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones produced by Taika Waititi; and Sun Baked starring Ruby Cruz.
Fred Berger remarked: “It’s a privilege to make movies in California which allows us to collaborate with the most talented crews and performers and tap into an industry ecosystem that is unmatched anywhere in the world. We’re so grateful to be able to shoot our Untitled MMX Drama in LA and highlight incredible artistry that makes California heart of filmmaking.”
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein said: “As Chair of Mayor Karen Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council I know how important it is create place supports storytellers… being able make Epiphany here means get work best crews business while keeping jobs my community.”
Producer Dakota Johnson shared: ”California has always inspired me… To make an independent film here with these people this light feels like most natural thing world… That kind collaboration rare means everything film like ours.”
The CFC administers this tax credit program which was expanded earlier this year from $330 million annually up to $750 million following legislative action initiated by Governor Newsom in 2025.
Since its start in 2009—the year when the tax credit program began—the initiative has generated more than $27 billion for California’s economy while supporting over 211,000 cast-and-crew jobs statewide.
For every dollar awarded through this incentive program historically there has been a significant return on investment including increased economic output GDP growth wage gains according official figures provided by CFC.
The updated version maintains workforce diversity requirements increases funding for career training programs introduces safety initiatives designed specifically for production environments—all aimed at ensuring continued competitiveness within national entertainment sector.
