Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the approval of 22 new television projects under the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. This is the first round of tax credits since the expansion of the program in July, which more than doubled funding for qualified productions. The number of applications for this round increased by nearly 400% compared to previous rounds.
“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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The approved projects are expected to generate $1.1 billion in spending across California, including $714 million in qualified expenditures and $413 million in qualified wages. The productions will result in more than 1,100 filming days statewide.
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.”
The selected shows include five renewals, two productions relocating to California, and fifteen new series—among them one limited series and three pilots. Altogether, these projects are projected to employ about 6,500 cast and crew members as well as 46,100 background performers (measured in days worked). While most filming will occur in Los Angeles, four projects plan to shoot at least partially outside that region.
Among notable new pilots and returning series are a Hulu drama from Dan Fogelman (creator of “This Is Us” and “Paradise”), a new HBO series by Larry David, second seasons for Lionsgate’s Emmy-nominated “The Studio” (Apple TV+) and Warner Bros. Television’s “Presumed Innocent” (Apple TV+), Sony Pictures Television’s “S.W.A.T. EXILES,” CBS Studios’ “NCIS: Origins,” and Kenya Barris’ pilot “Group Chat” for Hulu.
Two series are relocating production to California; Tom Segura’s Netflix show “Bad Thoughts” is moving from Texas.
Kenya Barris commented on shooting his new project locally: “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 also praised the initiative: “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 included in this round can be found through resources provided by state agencies.
