California, September 1, 2025
News Summary
California has approved 22 new television projects, poised to boost the state’s economy by approximately $1.1 billion. This is part of an expanded $700 million tax credit program aimed at revitalizing the film and television industry. The approved productions will create jobs for around 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors, generating significant qualified expenditures and wages throughout their filming schedules. Governor Newsom emphasizes the importance of keeping productions in California amidst competition from other states.
California has officially approved 22 television projects that are set to inject approximately $1.1 billion into the state’s economy, according to an announcement made on August 31, 2025. This initiative is part of a larger $700 million tax credit program aimed at revitalizing California’s film and television industry.
The newly expanded tax credit program was launched in July 2025, nearly doubling the available funding and resulting in a dramatic surge in applications—almost a 400% increase from previous rounds. This represents the first round of tax credits available since the program’s expansion.
These selected projects are anticipated to employ around 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors. The approved productions are also projected to generate $714 million in qualified expenditures and $413 million in qualified wages throughout their filming schedules.
The tax credit is structured to provide up to 35% of qualified expenditures for productions filmed in the greater Los Angeles area, with offerings increasing to 40% for shoots taking place outside this region. Most of the approved productions will be filmed in Los Angeles, but four of the projects will partially relocate outside the area.
Among the 22 projects approved, there are 15 new productions, five renewals of existing projects, and two relocations from Texas and Canada. Noteworthy productions include Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” which is set to receive a tax credit of $13.2 million, and a new drama from Dan Fogelman for Hulu, projected to receive $42.8 million in tax credits.
The collective filming activities from these projects are expected to account for over 1,100 filming days across California. The recent expansion of the film tax credit program allowed for a broader eligibility range, particularly benefiting half-hour shows and larger productions, including competition shows.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed the importance of these measures in maintaining California’s status as the entertainment capital of the world. The incentive structure aims to counteract the trend of productions relocating to other states that offer more attractive tax packages.
The California Film Commission confirmed that all qualifying projects from this latest round have indeed received a tax credit, ensuring significant financial benefits for the state’s economy and workforce.
FAQ
What is the California Film Tax Credit Program?
The California Film Tax Credit Program provides tax credits to qualifying film and television productions, aimed at incentivizing filming within the state and boosting the local economy.
How much economic activity is projected from the approved television projects?
The approved projects are anticipated to generate approximately $1.1 billion in economic activity in California.
How many crew and background actors will be employed?
Approximately 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors are expected to be employed for these productions.
What are the tax credit percentages offered?
Productions filmed in the greater Los Angeles area can receive a tax credit of up to 35%, while those filmed outside the area can receive up to 40%.
How many projects were approved in this round?
A total of 22 television projects were approved, including new productions, renewals, and relocations.
Key Features of the California Film Tax Credit Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Economic Impact | $1.1 billion projected |
| Employment | 6,500 crew members and 46,000 background actors |
| Qualified Expenditures | $714 million |
| Qualified Wages | $413 million |
| Tax Credit Percentages | 35% in LA, 40% outside LA |
| Number of Projects Approved | 22 projects |
| Filming Days | Over 1,100 filming days |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times
- Deadline
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Film Tax Credit Program
- Google Search: California tax credits film industry
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
