California’s Expanded Incentives Attract TV Shows
Nearly 20 television shows are set to receive incentives for filming in California. This includes two series relocating from Texas and Canada, marking the first awards period since the state revamped its film and television tax credit program earlier this summer.
A total of 22 shows were selected, reflecting a significant interest in these incentives. The annual cap has increased from $330 million to $750 million, and Colleen Bell, the executive director of the California Film Committee, noted a remarkable 400% rise in applications.
“These enhancements to our programs do not simply prevent production from leaving,” she shared in an interview. “We’re expanding production right here in California and building momentum.”
In total, these shows will receive $255.9 million in credits, which is projected to yield about $1.1 billion in economic activity within the state. The film production is expected to employ approximately 6,500 cast and crew members, along with over 46,000 background actors.
Among the 22 series awarded incentives, 15 are new projects, five are returning shows, and two are moving from outside California. Notably, Tom Segura’s dark comedy “Bad Thought” will make its debut on Netflix after filming in Texas.
Additionally, Apple TV+’s comedy “The Studio” and the legal thriller “The Innocent” received incentives, similar to CBS’s “NCIS: Origins.” There’s also a pilot called “Group Chat” from Kenya Barris and another from Dan Fogelman, both receiving backing for production. Bell pointed out that all eligible projects could secure tax credits during this round.
“California has long been recognized as the entertainment capital of the world, and our newly enhanced film and television tax credit program ensures it stays that way,” stated Gov. Gavin Newsom. “This not only preserves our heritage but also reinforces why the Golden State is at the heart of the film and television industry.”
The governor emphasized the need for a strong incentive structure to prevent production shifts to other states and countries. In the past few months, Hollywood studios, producers, unions, and others united in Sacramento to advocate for the importance of the entertainment sector to California’s economy.
Aside from increasing the cap, the updated program broadens the types of productions eligible for incentives. It now includes 30-minute TV shows, select large-scale competitive shows, animated shorts, and feature films.
During this incentive round, the California Film Commission was able to evaluate a range of new categories, with the exception of animation shows and large competitive productions, which will require new regulations. These may qualify starting early next year, according to Bell.
The revised program also raised the tax credit to 35% for eligible spending on productions in the Greater Los Angeles area and up to 40% for those filmed outside that region. While most of the series are expected to film in the LA area, four will be shot elsewhere.
“People genuinely want to film their projects here in California,” Bell remarked. “Now, decision-makers are implementing these significant program changes, making California much more competitive with other locations and revitalizing interest in the state.”
