California, September 22, 2025 News Summary California has increased its Film and TV Tax Credit Program, awarding $256 million to 22 television shows. This expansion aims to boost local production, create approximately 6,500 jobs, and generate an estimated $1.1 billion in economic activity. The budget for tax credits now totals $750 million, attracting producers back to the state while introducing new incentives for both Los Angeles and productions outside the area. California has expanded its Film and TV Tax Credit Program, awarding $256 million to 22 television shows in an effort to elevate local production and generate significant economic growth. The recent budgeting adjustments, finalized by Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders in June 2023, have more than doubled the subsidy to the film and video industry, now set at $750 million for tax credits. The state government’s increase in tax credits aims to attract producers back to California, steering them away from competing states and countries. The film and video subsidy is a part of a broader menu of tax expenditures that ensure specific economic sectors or corporations pay less tax, which collectively reduces state revenues by over $100 billion annually. Upon implementing such significant expenditures, discussions concerning cuts to corporate tax breaks have become a point of contention, especially among public employee unions advocating for addressing California’s chronic budget deficit. This comes following changes in property tax allocation by local governments since 2011, redirecting funding from redevelopment zones to school districts after redevelopment dissolution. For the 2023-24 fiscal year alone, local governments contributed around $140 million in rebate subsidies to sellers, showcasing a diverse array of incentives aimed at stimulating business investments. The expansion of the film and television tax credit program has led to a remarkable nearly 400% increase in applications for tax incentives. The recent round of funding to 22 television shows is expected to produce around $1.1 billion in economic activity within California, while simultaneously creating approximately 6,500 jobs for local cast and crew members. The majority of productions benefitting from this program will take place in the greater Los Angeles area, although some will be filmed in other regions of the state. New enhancements to the incentive structure include tax credits of up to 35% for productions shot in Los Angeles and up to 40% for those filmed outside the area. The threshold for eligible productions has also widened, now encompassing half-hour shows, large-scale competition programs, and animated series, differing from previous project requirements. Upcoming projects receiving financial aid through the tax credits include productions from major networks and streaming services, notably Apple TV+, Netflix, and CBS. Some highlighted shows benefitting from this initiative comprise “The Studio,” “Presumed Innocent,” and various new pilot productions. The California Film Commission is continually assessing and refining the tax incentive program to ensure competitiveness with other jurisdictions in the entertainment sector. Overall, the economic impact derived from the funding of these 22 productions is estimated to include $714 million in qualified expenditures and $413 million in qualified wages, underpinning California’s enduring appeal as a leading hub for film and television production. FAQ What is the total amount awarded to television shows in California’s tax credit program? The total amount awarded to television shows is $256 million. How many jobs are expected to be created from the funded productions? Approximately 6,500 jobs for cast and crew members are expected to be created. What is the estimated economic activity generated from the funded shows? The funded shows are anticipated to generate approximately $1.1 billion in economic activity in California. What new incentives have been introduced in the tax credit program? New incentives allow for a tax credit of up to 35% for productions filmed in L.A. and up to 40% for those shot outside the region. How much has the film and video subsidy program’s budget increased? The subsidy to the film and video industry increased to $750 million for tax credits. Key Features of the Film and TV Tax Credit Program Feature Description Total Awarded Amount $256 million Jobs Created Approx. 6,500 jobs Estimated Economic Activity Approx. $1.1 billion Tax Credit Incentives Up to 35% in L.A.; up to 40% outside L.A. Program Budget $750 million for tax credits Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic Los Angeles Times: California Expands Film Tax Credit Program Wikipedia: Tax Credit Deadline: California Film and TV Production Tax Incentives Google Search: California film tax credits New York Times: California Production Tax Credit Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax Incentive Variety: California Film & TV Tax Credits Google News: California tax credits film industry Cined: California Raises Film Tax Credits
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