Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that 52 film projects have been selected to receive tax credits under California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. The awarded projects, which include both major studio-backed and independent productions, are expected to generate nearly $1.4 billion for the state’s economy. These productions will employ an estimated 8,900 cast and crew members and approximately 46,400 background performers over a total of 1,664 filming days throughout California.
“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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
This round saw applications nearly double compared to the previous round under Program 3.0 before its expansion earlier this year. The program now offers $750 million annually in tax credits following changes made by Governor Newsom in 2025.
According to Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission: “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 the major studio recipients are:
– Untitled Jumanji (Sony Pictures)
– Heat 2 (Forward Pass, Inc.)
– Sunday (Blumhouse Films)
– Untitled Daniels Project (NBC Universal)
– The Fifth Wheel (Netflix)
Director Jake Kasdan commented: “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.”
The current round also supports 42 independent films with varying budgets. 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 stated: “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. 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 said: “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. 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.”
Filming activity will extend beyond Los Angeles with 511 out-of-zone filming days scheduled—the highest number recorded for a single application round—benefiting counties such as Alameda, Contra Costa, Imperial, Inyo, Marin, Montecito, San Bernardino, San Diego,and Santa Clara through increased employment opportunities for local residents as well as support for small businesses including retail stores,hospitality providers,and service industries.
The expanded tax credit program maintains workforce diversity requirements,funds career training initiatives,and includes safety provisions for production sets.It remains one ofthe largest capped incentives nationwide.Since its inceptionin2009,theprogramhasgeneratedover$27billionineconomicactivityandsupportedmorethan211000castandcrewjobsacrossthestate.Foreverydollarintaxcreditawarded,theprogramhasreturned$24.40ineconomicoutput,$16.14inGDPand$8.60inwages.
More information about eligibility criteria or recent updates can be found on www.film.ca.gov
