California Approves 22 Television Projects for Tax Credits

California, September 1, 2025

News Summary

California has approved 22 television projects under its expanded film tax credit program, which is projected to generate $1.1 billion in economic activity. Governor Gavin Newsom announced this initiative, part of a $700 million package, aimed at revitalizing the local film and television industry. The program is expected to create jobs, with approximately 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors involved. The new tax incentives will bolster production in Los Angeles and beyond, with significant benefits for the state’s economy.

California has approved 22 television projects as part of its expanded film tax credit program, which is projected to generate $1.1 billion in economic activity. Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement on August 31, 2025, highlighting the significant financial impact of these productions on the state’s economy.

This initiative is part of a larger $700 million package aimed at revitalizing California’s film and television industry. The newly expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, which was updated in July, experienced a substantial surge in applications—nearly 400% compared to previous rounds. This marks the first allocation of tax credits since the program expansion.

The approved television projects are expected to employ approximately 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors. The productions are anticipated to generate around $714 million in qualified expenditures, along with $413 million in qualified wages for those involved in the projects.

The tax incentives offer up to 35% of qualified expenditures for productions filmed in the greater Los Angeles area, rising to 40% for those filmed outside this region. Most of these productions will primarily take place in Los Angeles, although four shows will have partial filming locations outside of the area.

Out of the 22 approved projects, 15 are new shows, five are renewals from previous seasons, and two series have relocated from Texas and Canada to take advantage of California’s tax benefits. Notable projects include Apple TV+‘s “The Studio,” which will receive $13.2 million, and Dan Fogelman’s upcoming Hulu drama, projected for $42.8 million in incentives.

This program is expected to facilitate over 1,100 filming days across California, bolstering the local entertainment industry and supporting job creation. Additionally, the program expansion has broadened eligibility criteria to include more half-hour shows and large competition formats, attracting a diverse array of productions.

Governor Newsom has emphasized that these filming incentives are crucial for maintaining California’s reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. The increasing competition from other states, which offer more advantageous tax packages, has made it imperative for California to enhance its incentives to retain productions within the state.

The California Film Commission confirmed that all qualifying projects in this latest funding round successfully received a tax credit, reflecting the program’s commitment to support the state’s thriving film and television industry.

Key Economic Impact of the Tax Credit Program

• Total projects approved: 22
• Expected economic activity: $1.1 billion
• Estimated production expenditures: $714 million
• Projected wages: $413 million
• Total crew employed: 6,500
• Background actors engaged: 46,000
• Filming days: Over 1,100

About the Tax Credit Program Expansion

• Increased funding: $700 million
• Tax credit rate: Up to 35% for LA area, 40% for other regions
• Increase in applications: Nearly 400% compared to previous rounds
• Broader eligibility: Expanded to half-hour shows and larger productions

Background on California’s Film Industry

California has long been recognized as a global leader in the entertainment industry, attracting countless productions each year. The introduction of filming incentives is a strategic response to combat the migration of productions to states that offer more lucrative tax benefits. By enhancing its tax credit program, California aims to ensure its position at the forefront of the filmmaking world.

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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

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