Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that 52 film projects have been selected to receive tax credits through California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. These projects, which include both major studio productions and independent films, are expected to generate nearly $1.4 billion for the state’s economy. The initiative 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.
Governor Newsom stated, “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.”
This round of tax credit awards saw applications almost double compared to the previous cycle under Program 3.0, following an expansion of the program earlier this year. Productions will take place not only in Los Angeles but also in other counties such as Alameda, Contra Costa, Imperial, Inyo, Marin, Montecito, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Santa Clara. A record 511 filming days are scheduled outside Los Angeles—referred to as “out-of-zone” filming days—spreading economic benefits across various regions in California.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission (CFC), commented on the impact: “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 major studio recipients are high-profile titles such as a new installment in Sony Pictures’ “Jumanji” franchise; “Heat 2,” a prequel and sequel to Michael Mann’s crime saga; “Sunday” from Blumhouse Films; an untitled project from NBC Universal produced by those behind “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; and Netflix’s “The Fifth Wheel,” directed by Eva Longoria.
Director Jake Kasdan said about his upcoming project: “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.”
Independent productions also feature prominently among awardees with 42 projects supported—32 with budgets under $10 million and ten above that threshold. Notable titles 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 expressed his appreciation: “It’s a privilege to make movies in California, which allows us to collaborate with the most talented crews and performers and to tap into an industry ecosystem that is unmatched anywhere in the world,” he said. “We’re so grateful to be able to shoot our Untitled MMX Drama in LA and highlight the incredible artistry that makes California the heart of filmmaking.”
Producer Ellen Goldsmith-Vein stated: “As Chair of Mayor Karen Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council, I know how important it is to create in a place that supports storytellers. California has been home to my career from the start, and being able to make Epiphany here means I get to work with the best crews in the business while keeping jobs in my community.”
Producer Dakota Johnson remarked: ”California has always inspired me. To make an independent film here, with these people and this light, feels like the most natural thing in the world,” she said. “The crews here care about the work, the process, and the heart behind it. That kind of collaboration is rare, and it means everything to a film like ours.”
The CFC administers this tax credit program as part of its mission as a state agency dedicated to maintaining California’s position as a leading location for motion picture production. Earlier this year Governor Newsom expanded funding for these incentives from $330 million annually up to $750 million per year.
Since its creation in 2009,the tax credit program has contributed over $27 billion in economic activity statewide while supporting more than 211,000 cast-and-crew jobs.The return on investment has been significant for each dollar awarded through credits,generating increases across economic output,GDP,and wages.The expanded version continues prioritizing workforce diversity,funding training programs,and implementing safety initiatives within productions.
More information about these programs can be found at www.film.ca.gov
