Seventeen television projects have been chosen for the latest round of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. The selected projects are expected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity across the state. With this announcement, the total economic impact from the first two TV windows of Program 4.0 exceeds $2.5 billion.
Governor Newsom said, “California’s creative economy isn’t just part of who we are — it helps power this state forward. From the folks on the soundstage to the people designing the sets, these are jobs that anchor communities. And when we make smart investments like our film tax credit, we’re keeping talent here at home, supporting good-paying union jobs, and strengthening an industry that defines the California brand. I’m proud to see the return of Baywatch where it belongs — on sunny California shores, creating jobs and fueling the very entertainment economy that sets this state apart.”
The program aims to support steady employment in entertainment by providing incentives for productions to remain or relocate in California. This round is projected to employ about 5,165 cast and crew members as well as 35,946 background performers over approximately 1,000 filming days statewide. Qualified in-state spending is estimated at $902 million, including $487 million in wages.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission stated: “California continues to prove that when we invest in our creative workforce, the industry invests right back in us. These series aren’t just coming home, they’re bringing thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in wages, and long-term economic value to our state. The momentum we’re seeing is exactly what this program was designed to deliver.”
Several notable shows will move production back to California from other states or countries as a result of these credits. Among them are The Night Agent season 4 (from New York), Mr. and Mrs. Smith season 2 (from New Jersey), and Baywatch (from Hawaii and international locations). Together these three series will provide nearly 1,000 local jobs with $116 million attributed to qualified wages.
Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside our partners at the California Film Commission to create an economically sustainable path for keeping a production like Baywatch – so spectacularly tied to this great city and state – right here in Los Angeles… This collaboration between government and entertainment truly shows what’s possible when we work together to support local jobs and economic growth while showcasing the stunning California coast for audiences around the world.”
Matt Nix, Executive Producer and Showrunner for Baywatch commented: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show… I was inspired by the heroism of first responders who fought to save our community… I’m grateful for…the support of my partners…and for support from the California Film Commission. Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper from Fremantle added: “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio… We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program… Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning productions such as Fallout (Amazon) will continue filming new seasons in-state after relocating last year; Season 3 represents a significant investment with $166 million planned spending—a rise compared with its previous season.
Jonathan Nolan (Director/Producer) remarked: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are so grateful…to everyone who took a stand to protect [its] creative economy…We are incredibly proud…to be shooting here…”
Other returning series include Blood Ties Season 2 & Lot Patrol Season 2 (Imani Media Group) along with Forever Season 2 (Netflix).
Mara Brock Akil (Forever) stated: “I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception…and continuing FOREVER here for Season 2 means everything…”
Producer Manny Halley added: “Our continued partnership with [the CFC] allows us…to keep our film/TV productions [here] where…the level of support…is second-to-none…”
In addition four new series—plus two pilots—and two NBC Universal projects under a separate Soundstage Tax Credit Program were approved; these eight projects expect more than 2,200 hires totaling $136 million in qualified wages over more than 345 filming days.
Earlier this year Governor Newsom expanded funding for tax credits from $330 million up to $750 million annually while introducing updates aimed at retaining production activity within state borders.
Since launching in 2009—the tax credit initiative has generated over $30 billion statewide economic output supporting more than 228 thousand cast/crew positions—with each dollar spent yielding substantial returns through increased GDP/wages according data cited by officials.
For further details about eligibility or application process visit www.film.ca.gov.
