The California Film Commission has approved 22 new television projects through its expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, following a significant increase in applications. The initiative, which was broadened in July under Governor Gavin Newsom, now offers more than double the funding for eligible film and television productions.
Governor Newsom said, “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.”
According to state officials, these 22 projects are expected to bring $1.1 billion in economic activity to California. Of this amount, $714 million will be qualified expenditures and $413 million will go toward wages. The productions are projected to employ approximately 6,500 cast and crew members along with 46,100 background performers (measured by days worked), providing over 1,100 filming days across various regions of California.
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.”
This round features a mix of five renewals, two series relocating from other states—including Tom Segura’s Netflix show “Bad Thoughts” moving from Texas—and fifteen new series such as pilots or limited runs. Notable projects include a Hulu drama from Dan Fogelman (“This Is Us”), a new HBO series by Larry David, second seasons for Lionsgate’s Emmy-nominated “The Studio” (distributed by Apple TV+) as well as Warner Bros.’s “Presumed Innocent,” Sony Pictures Television’s “S.W.A.T. EXILES,” CBS Studios’ “NCIS: Origins,” and Kenya Barris’s pilot “Group Chat” for Hulu.
While most filming will take place in Los Angeles County—a region known for its established production infrastructure—four projects plan to shoot at least partially outside this area.
Kenya Barris commented on his project: “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 added: “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 approved under this round can be found on the commission’s website.
