Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the approval of 22 new television projects under the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. This is the first round of tax credits since the expansion of the program in July, which more than doubled funding for qualified productions. The number of applications for this round increased by nearly 400% compared to the previous round.
“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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The approved projects are expected to generate $1.1 billion in spending throughout California, with $714 million in qualified expenditures and $413 million in qualified wages. The productions will contribute to over 1,100 filming days across various locations in California, providing a boost to local economies.
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.”
The 22 television shows include five renewals, two series relocating to California, and fifteen new series—one limited series and three pilots among them. These projects are projected to employ approximately 6,500 cast and crew members as well as provide work for about 46,100 background performers (measured in days worked). While most filming will take place in Los Angeles, four projects will shoot at least partly outside that region.
Notable highlights from this round include a new Hulu drama by Dan Fogelman from 20th Television; a new HBO series by Larry David; second seasons for Lionsgate’s “The Studio” (distributed by Apple TV+) and Warner Bros. Television’s “Presumed Innocent” (also distributed by Apple TV+); Sony Pictures Television’s “S.W.A.T. EXILES”; CBS Studios’ “NCIS: Origins”; and a new pilot called “Group Chat” from Kenya Barris for Hulu.
Among relocating series is Tom Segura’s Netflix show “Bad Thoughts,” which is moving production from Texas to California.
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 also praised 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 participating in this round can be found through resources provided by the California Film Commission.
