Seventeen television projects have been selected to receive awards from California’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, according to an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom. The initiative is projected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity statewide and aims to reinforce California’s role as a center for the entertainment industry.
This round of awards brings the total economic impact from the first two TV windows of Program 4.0 to over $2.5 billion, supporting efforts to retain and grow jobs within California’s entertainment sector.
“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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The selected projects are expected to provide employment for approximately 5,165 cast and crew members as well as 35,946 background performers (measured in days worked) during about 1,000 filming days across California. Qualified in-state spending is estimated at $902 million, with $487 million allocated for wages.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, stated: “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 shows are relocating their productions from other states or countries back to California as a result of this program expansion. These include The Night Agent season 4 (from New York), Mr. and Mrs. Smith season 2 (from New Jersey), and Baywatch (from Hawaii). Together these three productions will employ nearly 1,000 local cast and crew members with qualified wages totaling $116 million.
“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,” said Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment. “We’re especially grateful for the tremendous support from the many public officials… 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 added: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show… I was inspired by the heroism of first responders who fought to save our community… I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California… Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper of Fremantle also commented: “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio… We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program… Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning productions such as Fallout will continue investing significantly in local production; its third season represents a 21% increase in spending compared with its previous season—$166.3 million qualified spending including $89.5 million in wages.
Jonathan Nolan (Director/Writer/Producer) remarked: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start…”
Other returning series include Blood Ties Season 2 & Lot Patrol Season 2 (Imani Media Group) and Forever Season 2 (Netflix). Mara Brock Akil expressed appreciation for being able “to keep dreaming” through continued production opportunities offered by state incentives.
New series receiving credits under this round include four new television series plus two pilots; NBC Universal also received approval under a related Soundstage Tax Credit Program for The Paper and Dig projects.
Altogether these eight new projects anticipate hiring more than 2,200 cast and crew members with an estimated $136 million spent on qualified wages over roughly 345 filming days.
