Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Apr. 23 that 38 film projects have been awarded tax credits through the expanded California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. The productions are expected to generate nearly $800 million in economic activity and include major animated features, big budget films, and independent productions.
The announcement highlights the ongoing efforts to keep California as a leading center for entertainment production. The selected projects will create thousands of jobs and bring investment to communities across the state, with more than 460 filming days planned outside the traditional studio zone.
Among the awarded films are “The Simpsons Movie 2” from 20th Century Studios, “Phineas and Ferb” from Disney Entertainment Television, “Self Help” produced by Will Ferrell, and “Black Is Blue” starring Laverne Cox. Governor Newsom said, “California remains the entertainment capital of the world — and we’re making sure it stays that way. Our expanded film and television tax credit is keeping more productions here in the Golden State, creating good-paying jobs and supporting communities statewide. I’m proud to announce the next round of projects that will keep California rolling and strengthen our leadership in the global creative economy.”
Colleen Bell, Executive Director of the California Film Commission, said this round marks an exciting milestone: “For the first time, we’re welcoming animated feature films from powerhouses DreamWorks Animation, 20th Century Studios and Disney Entertainment Television… With more than 45% of filming days taking place outside the traditional studio zone, we’re seeing real-world economic impact reach communities across the entire state.”
Randy Lake of DreamWorks Animation expressed gratitude for being among those selected: “We are incredibly grateful to be the first animated feature selected by the Film Commission to receive a tax credit in California,” he said. Will Ferrell also commented on behalf of Gloria Sanchez Productions: “We’re honored that Self Help has been selected for California’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program… it’s incredibly meaningful to be part of bringing production home.” Laverne Cox added her appreciation for support on “Black Is Blue”: “California has always been a place where bold, authentic stories come to life… while investing back into the creative community that makes this industry possible.”
The expansion doubled funding for tax credits from $330 million to $750 million earlier this year. Since its inception in 2009, over $32 billion in economic activity has been generated through this program according to the official website. For every dollar spent on these credits historically there have been significant returns—$24.40 in output per dollar.
Newsom was elected as California’s 40th governor in 2018 according to his official biography. He was born in San Francisco in 1967 according to official records, attended Redwood High School and Santa Clara University according to his biography, is married with four children according to official information, engaged with local communities statewide as reported by his office, and previously directed same-sex marriage license issuance as mayor of San Francisco according to government sources.
