Seventeen television projects have been selected for the latest round of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. These projects are projected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity across the state, bringing the total impact from the first two TV windows of Program 4.0 to over $2.5 billion.
Governor Newsom stated, “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 expected to employ approximately 5,165 cast and crew members and provide work for 35,946 background performers over about 1,000 filming days statewide. This round will bring $902 million in qualified in-state spending, including $487 million in wages.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, said: “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.”
Several high-profile series are relocating production to California from other states and countries. These include “The Night Agent” season 4, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” season 2, and “Baywatch,” which returns for its twelfth year on television along the California coast. Together these three productions will hire nearly 1,000 local cast and crew members with $116 million attributed to 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 for 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’m grateful for the support of my partners and Fremantle and Fox and for the support of the California Film Commission. 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. Baywatch’s home has always been the iconic California coast. Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning shows continuing their investment in California include “Fallout,” which will remain in-state for its third season with a planned $166.3 million spend—an increase over its previous season—and “Forever” (Netflix), as well as “Blood Ties” season 2 & “Lot Patrol” season 2 (Imani Media Group).
Jonathan Nolan, director/producer of Fallout season 3 stated: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are so grateful to the film crews, the state legislators, and everyone who took a stand to protect the creative economy and future of California.”
Mara Brock Akil (Forever) said: “I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception and continuing FOREVER here for Season 2 means everything… Working with world-class crews while keeping jobs in my community– that’s not just filmmaking, that’s legacy.”
Manny Halley (Blood Ties/Lot Patrol) noted: “Our continued partnership with the California Film Commission allows us to keep our film and television productions in the state of California where… expertise on all levels are second to none.”
Additionally, four new series, two pilots, as well as two NBC Universal series under a separate soundstage tax credit program (“The Paper” and “Dig”) will collectively result in more than 2,200 hires totaling $136 million in wages over more than 345 filming days.
Earlier this year Governor Newsom increased funding for California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program from $330 million annually up to $750 million per year—the largest capped film incentive program nationally—to help retain production jobs within state borders.
Since its start in 2009, this tax credit initiative has generated more than $30 billion in economic activity statewide with significant returns per dollar invested through job creation across diverse communities.
