Seventeen television projects have been selected to receive awards from California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, according to an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom. The latest round of tax credits is projected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity statewide, with the first two TV application windows of Program 4.0 now contributing over $2.5 billion to the state’s economy.
Governor Newsom stated, “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.”
This round is expected to provide employment for approximately 5,165 cast and crew members and 35,946 background performers across 1,000 filming days in California. Qualified in-state spending for these projects will reach $902 million, including $487 million in wages.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, said: “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.”
Several high-profile shows are relocating production from other states or countries back to California under this program expansion. Notably among them are “The Night Agent” season 4 from New York; “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” season 2; and “Baywatch,” which returns for its twelfth year on television along California’s coastlines after filming elsewhere.
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… 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 for Baywatch added: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show… I was inspired by the heroism of the first responders who fought to save our community… 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 also include Amazon’s “Fallout” Season 3—which represents a significant investment with qualified spending rising by 21% compared with last season—as well as “Blood Ties” Season 2 & “Lot Patrol” Season 2 (Imani Media Group), and Netflix’s “Forever” Season 2.
Jonathan Nolan (“Fallout” director/producer) remarked: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are so grateful…to protect the creative economy…We are incredibly proud to be shooting here…”
Mara Brock Akil (“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— the city that raised me…”
Producer Manny Halley (“Blood Ties,” “Lot Patrol”) noted: “Our continued partnership with the California Film Commission allows us to keep our film and television productions in the state…”
Additionally included in this round are four new series and two pilots plus two NBC Universal projects approved under California’s Soundstage Tax Credit Program—“The Paper” and “Dig.” These eight projects alone anticipate hiring more than 2,200 cast/crew members with over $136 million expected in qualified wages through more than 345 filming days.
Earlier this year Governor Newsom increased annual funding for California’s Film & Television Tax Credit program from $330 million up to $750 million while implementing updates aimed at retaining production activity within state lines.
Since its launch in 2009—the tax credit initiative has produced more than $30 billion worth of economic activity across California supporting over 228 thousand cast/crew jobs throughout its history.
