California Expands Film & TV Tax Credit Program
“California is where filmed entertainment was born, and with this expansion, we’re making sure it stays here,” said Governor Gavin Newsom as he announced the historic growth of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. With the annual funding more than doubling—from $330 million to $750 million—California is reinforcing its position as the global hub of film and television production.
Unveiled during an event in Burbank alongside entertainment industry leaders, union representatives, and state officials, the expanded program introduces key enhancements, including refundable credits for the first time and broader eligibility for productions. These changes aim to retain high-quality jobs and major productions that might otherwise leave for competing states.
The expansion responds to years of overwhelming demand. Historically oversubscribed, the program has seen many projects leave California after being denied credits—an estimated 69% of rejected applicants filmed elsewhere, resulting in substantial economic losses. With this investment, the state expects to increase supported film jobs by about 50%.
Sixteen new TV projects have already been awarded credits under the revised initiative, promising $1.1 billion in direct in-state spending and nearly 6,700 jobs for cast and crew. Highlights include returning series such as NCIS: Origins (CBS), Paradise (Hulu), and The Pitt (HBO Max), as well as the relocation of Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith to California.
“This program isn’t just about keeping cameras rolling — it’s about sustaining careers, building opportunity, and ensuring that the economic and cultural benefits of filmmaking stay right here in the Golden State,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission.
Additional enhancements include expanded funding for workforce training and the launch of the nation’s first Safety on Production Pilot Program. The updated Program 4.0 officially began on July 1, with new application windows opening in July and August for TV and film projects, respectively.
As the state prepares to roll out modernizing legislation, the expansion represents a landmark commitment to California’s creative economy—designed not only to retain its historic leadership in entertainment, but also to ensure a resilient, inclusive, and thriving future for the industry.
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“California is where filmed entertainment was born, and with this expansion, we’re making sure it stays here,” said Governor Gavin Newsom as he announced the historic growth of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. With the annual funding more than doubling—from $330 million to $750 million—California is reinforcing its position as the global hub of film and television production.
Unveiled during an event in Burbank alongside entertainment industry leaders, union representatives, and state officials, the expanded program introduces key enhancements, including refundable credits for the first time and broader eligibility for productions. These changes aim to retain high-quality jobs and major productions that might otherwise leave for competing states.
The expansion responds to years of overwhelming demand. Historically oversubscribed, the program has seen many projects leave California after being denied credits—an estimated 69% of rejected applicants filmed elsewhere, resulting in substantial economic losses. With this investment, the state expects to increase supported film jobs by about 50%.
Sixteen new TV projects have already been awarded credits under the revised initiative, promising $1.1 billion in direct in-state spending and nearly 6,700 jobs for cast and crew. Highlights include returning series such as NCIS: Origins (CBS), Paradise (Hulu), and The Pitt (HBO Max), as well as the relocation of Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith to California.
“This program isn’t just about keeping cameras rolling — it’s about sustaining careers, building opportunity, and ensuring that the economic and cultural benefits of filmmaking stay right here in the Golden State,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission.
Additional enhancements include expanded funding for workforce training and the launch of the nation’s first Safety on Production Pilot Program. The updated Program 4.0 officially began on July 1, with new application windows opening in July and August for TV and film projects, respectively.
As the state prepares to roll out modernizing legislation, the expansion represents a landmark commitment to California’s creative economy—designed not only to retain its historic leadership in entertainment, but also to ensure a resilient, inclusive, and thriving future for the industry.
Share:
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