Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Mar. 18 that 16 television projects have been approved for California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, including returning series such as The Pitt, I Love LA, and High Potential. For the first time in the program’s history, animated and competition shows are eligible to receive awards. The selected projects are expected to generate $1.3 billion in economic activity across the state and provide employment for more than 4,500 cast and crew members as well as over 50,000 background performers.
The expansion of eligible categories is intended to support a wider range of creative formats and increase job opportunities within California’s entertainment industry. 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. I’m pleased to expand this award to animated and competition shows, helping advance the strongest entertainment economy in the nation and bringing even more good-paying jobs to California.”
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, said that including animation and competition shows creates new opportunities for talent across the state: “Additionally, our Soundstage Tax Credit Program has served to add another pathway for productions to benefit from California’s incentives while strengthening our world class production infrastructure.” Three projects in these new categories are expected to create over 700 jobs with $46 million in qualified spending.
Among the newly awarded animation series are President Curtis (Adult Swim) and STEWIE (20th Television Animation), a spin-off from Family Guy. Dan Harmon, creator of President Curtis, said, “Our crew is the best in the business, and the Tax Credit Program will allow us to prevent outsourcing and hire more Los Angeles-based talent.” The first-ever competition show awarded is SCHOOLED!, produced by Mark Rober and Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel said he was grateful for being selected: “Mark Rober’s goal is to teach students about science and engineering… we are proud to create jobs and produce fun, educational programming that does just that right here in our beautiful state.” Rober added his thanks: “This place is full of brilliant, creative people who make ambitious ideas like this series possible. We’re gonna inspire the next generation of engineers and problem solvers.”
Returning series include Season 3 of The Pitt (Parallax), which has received multiple awards this season including Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor Noah Wyle and Supporting Actress Katherine LaNasa. John Wells (executive producer) and Wyle said producing locally underscores “the value of the California production incentive program.” Other returning projects include High Potential (20th Television). One relocating series is projected to bring $129 million in expenditures into California.
Four projects were also approved under California’s Soundstage Tax Credit Program supporting expanded studio infrastructure statewide. Rachel Sennott and Emma Barrie—co-showrunners of I Love LA—said filming locally enables them “to showcase the city we love” while creating meaningful jobs.
