"Baywatch" revival awarded enhanced tax credit to film on California coast

The upcoming reimagined "Baywatch" has been awarded an enhanced 40% tax credit by the California Film Commission (CFC) under its Film & Television Tax Credit Program 4.0. This will ensure that the legendary lifeguard action series will once again make waves along the sun-drenched California coast, including the famed Venice Beach, where the massively popular global phenomenon first began.

The tax credit was granted as part of the CFC’s ongoing efforts to keep high-profile, job-creating productions in The Golden State. Filming "Baywatch" in its original home not only reinforces the franchise’s connection to the communities and locale that inspired it but also fuels tourism and fan enthusiasm for the "Baywatch" legacy – synonymous with the beauty, optimism and spectacle that define the California Dream.

The California Film Commission administers the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which encourages in-state production, drives economic growth and helps preserve California’s legacy as the Entertainment Capital of the World. FOX Entertainment Global holds rights to all domestic distribution windows, and Fremantle is managing all international sales.

Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment praised the collaborative effort: “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," stated.

Meanwhile, Christian Vesper, CEO, Drama, Fremantle considers the title an important part of the company’s portfolio: “'Baywatch' has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio and continues to be one of the most iconic television series worldwide. We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film Commission,” “'Baywatch'’s home has always been the California coast and being able to bring this next chapter back to where it all started is truly special," noted.

FInally, assembly member Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) focused on the local economic impact:"The expansion and modernization of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit is already delivering results. The return of major productions like 'Baywatch' means hundreds of good-paying jobs, new opportunities for local crews and small businesses, and millions invested right here in Los Angeles. This is exactly what we envisioned when we strengthened the program — keeping our creative economy strong and our entertainment industry competitive. I appreciate FOX Entertainment’s commitment to investing in California’s workforce and keeping production where it belongs;" expressed.

The CFC tax incentive supports the State of California and Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to keeping production in Hollywood’s hometown and the Entertainment Capital of the World. It has also facilitated "Baywatch" interior scenes to be produced on the historic FOX Studio Lot in LA’s Century City, which is also currently home to FOX’s unscripted juggernaut "The Masked Singer", another CFC tax credit beneficiary.

First hitting screens in 1989, "Baywatch" became the most-watched show in the world, airing in over 200 countries and at its peak reaching more than a billion viewers weekly.