Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Apr. 23 that 38 film projects have been awarded tax credits through the California Film Commission’s expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program. These productions are expected to generate nearly $800 million in economic activity across the state and include major titles such as The Simpsons Movie 2 from 20th Century Studios, Phineas and Ferb from Disney Entertainment Television, Self Help produced by Will Ferrell, and Black Is Blue with Laverne Cox.
The expansion of the tax credit program is intended to keep more productions within California, creating jobs and supporting local communities. Newsom said, “California remains the entertainment capital of the world — and we’re making sure it stays that way. Our expanded film and television tax credit is keeping more productions here in the Golden State, creating good-paying jobs and supporting communities statewide. I’m proud to announce the next round of projects that will keep California rolling and strengthen our leadership in the global creative economy.”
According to Colleen Bell, Executive Director of the California Film Commission, this round marks a milestone as animated feature films were eligible for tax credits for the first time. “For the first time, we’re welcoming animated feature films from powerhouses DreamWorks Animation, 20th Century Studios and Disney Entertainment Television… With more than 45% of filming days taking place outside the traditional studio zone, we’re seeing the real-world economic impact of this program reach communities across the entire state,” Bell said.
Among those receiving credits are both large-scale studio productions and independent films such as Black Is Blue (Black is Blue LLC), The Renewal (Artists Equity), Self Help (Gloria Sanchez Productions), Tommy & Me (Mandalay Pictures et al.), and an untitled Paramount crime thriller. Gloria Sanchez Productions co-founder Will Ferrell said, “We’re honored that Self Help has been selected for California’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program… it’s incredibly meaningful to be part of bringing production home.” Lead actor Laverne Cox added regarding Black Is Blue: “California has always been a place where bold, authentic stories come to life… being able to make this film here means we get to collaborate with some of the most talented crews.”
The expanded program increased funding from $330 million to $750 million earlier this year while implementing updates aimed at retaining production jobs within California. Since its inception in 2009, over $32 billion in economic activity has been generated by these incentives according to the official website. Newsom was elected as California’s fortieth governor in 2018 according to his official biography, after having previously served San Francisco where he directed marriage licenses be issued for same-sex couples according to official records.
Newsom was born in San Francisco in 1967 according to his official biography, attended Redwood High School and Santa Clara University according to public records, engages with communities throughout California as reported by his office, and is married with four children according to his official biography.
