California has made a decisive move to strengthen its position as the global capital of film and television production, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation to expand the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program by $180 million annually, raising the total cap to a record $1.8 billion over the next decade. The announcement came alongside news of 16 new productions that have committed to filming in California under the program, collectively expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs and an estimated $800 million in direct spending in the state.
The expansion, which marks the largest increase to the program since its inception in 2009, aims to stem the tide of runaway productions and keep high-value projects — and the jobs they create — anchored in California. Speaking at Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood, Governor Newsom stated: “California is the world’s entertainment capital, and we’re making sure it stays that way. This historic expansion of our tax credit program will keep productions here where they belong, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and showcasing the best of the Golden State on screens around the world.”
According to the Governor’s office, the additional $180 million per year will be allocated on top of the current $330 million annual cap, bringing the total available each year to $510 million through 2035. The new funding is expected to support both big-budget studio projects and independent films, and to promote regional diversity by incentivizing productions to shoot outside of Los Angeles County.
Among the 16 newly approved projects are several high-profile studio films and television series, which together will generate an estimated 10,600 cast and crew jobs and nearly $800 million in direct in-state spending, with approximately $70 million earmarked for below-the-line wages.
California Film Commission Executive Director Colleen Bell underscored the economic and cultural impact of the expanded program, saying: “This expansion sends a clear message that California remains the best place in the world to make movies and television. Not only are we keeping thousands of jobs here, but we’re also bringing production to communities throughout the state, showcasing our diverse locations and supporting small businesses up and down California.”
The program’s increased funding comes at a time when the state is competing more aggressively with other U.S. states and international locales that offer lucrative incentives to lure productions. The California Film and Television Tax Credit Program has already been credited with bringing back more than 300 projects since 2015, generating billions of dollars in economic activity.
With the expanded cap, the state aims to maintain its competitive edge and ensure that major productions continue to choose California over rivals. Governor Newsom concluded: “This is about protecting our workers, our businesses, and our cultural identity. Film and TV are part of who we are as Californians, and this investment keeps the magic alive — right here at home.”
Related News
