Seventeen television projects have been selected to receive awards from California’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. The initiative is expected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity across the state.
This latest round of awards brings the total economic impact from the first two TV funding windows under Program 4.0 to more than $2.5 billion. The program aims to retain and grow California’s entertainment workforce and attract high-value, long-running television series back to the state.
“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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The selected projects are projected to employ about 5,165 cast and crew members as well as nearly 36,000 background performers over roughly 1,000 filming days statewide. Qualified in-state spending for this round 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.”
Among those relocating production to California are “The Night Agent” season 4, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” season 2, and a new version of “Baywatch.” These three shows alone will provide employment for nearly 1,000 local cast and crew members 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. We’re especially grateful for the tremendous support from the many public officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom… 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 of Baywatch added: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show… I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showing the beauty and possibility of this incredible place… Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper of Fremantle commented: “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” will continue filming in California for its third season with a significant increase in investment compared with previous seasons.
Jonathan Nolan, Director/Writer/Producer of Fallout season 3 said: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are so grateful …to protect the creative economy and future of California… We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start.”
Other returning projects include “Blood Ties” season 2 & “Lot Patrol” season 2 (Imani Media Group) as well as Netflix’s “Forever” season 2.
Mara Brock Akil, Executive Producer of Forever stated: “I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception … This show is both a love story and a love letter to Los Angeles— … Working with world-class crews while keeping jobs in my community– that’s not just filmmaking, that’s legacy…”
Manny Halley (Blood Ties/Lot Patrol) said: “Our continued partnership with the California Film Commission allows us to keep our film and television productions in …California where …support …infrastructure …and creative economy expertise on all levels are second to none….we’re super excited.”
Additionally four new television series along with two pilots have been approved; two new series under NBC Universal’s Soundstage Tax Credit Program (“The Paper” and “Dig”) will also begin production locally. These eight projects are expected collectively to hire more than 2,200 cast and crew members for over 345 filming days within California.
