California, September 1, 2025
News Summary
California has approved 22 television projects expected to generate $1.1 billion in economic activity, providing significant job opportunities and financial benefits for the local economy. This move, supported by an expanded film tax credit program, will employ around 6,500 crew members and 46,000 background actors. The new incentives aim to keep California competitive against other states vying for film productions. With substantial funding available, these productions could lead to a revitalized era for the California film industry.
California has approved 22 television projects set to create an estimated $1.1 billion in economic activity within the state. This announcement, made on August 31, 2025, highlights the state’s commitment to maintaining its status as the entertainment capital of the world.
The television projects will benefit from California’s expanded film tax credit program, which includes a $700 million incentive package aimed at stimulating the film and television industry. This is the first wave of tax credits approved following the program’s expansion in July, which saw a remarkable 400% increase in applications compared to earlier rounds.
These 22 television shows are expected to employ around 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors. The productions are projected to generate $714 million in qualified expenditures and $413 million in qualified wages for workers in the industry.
The new tax credit program provides incentives of up to 35% of qualified expenditures for productions filmed in the greater Los Angeles area and up to 40% for those filmed outside this region. Most of the filming is expected to take place in Los Angeles, although four of the approved projects will partially shoot in areas outside the city.
Among the approved projects, 15 are entirely new productions, while five are renewals of previously existing shows, and two have relocated their filming operations from Texas and Canada. Noteworthy projects include Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” which has been allocated $13.2 million, and a new drama from Dan Fogelman for Hulu, projected to receive $42.8 million.
The productions are anticipated to account for over 1,100 filming days across California, significantly contributing to the local economy and job creation. This expansion of the tax credit program has also increased eligibility criteria, accommodating half-hour shows and larger competition productions, thus broadening the spectrum of projects that can receive funding.
Governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized that keeping California as the entertainment capital is critical, especially in light of competing states offering better tax incentives that have drawn productions away from California. The California Film Commission has confirmed that all qualifying projects in this first round have received a tax credit, ensuring that the state continues to attract significant film and television endeavors.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The initiative is projected to generate substantial economic activity, with the rigorous employment and spending figures substantiating the growth potential for the film industry in California. With thousands of crew members and background actors engaged in the productions, the financial ripple effect is likely to benefit numerous local businesses.
Background of the Film Tax Credit Program
The California Film Commission oversees the Film and Television Tax Credit Program, which was initially introduced to curb the migration of film projects to other states with competitive tax packages. The success of this new incentive structure may signal a renewed era of growth for the California film industry.
Summary of Key Features
- 22 television projects approved
- Projected economic activity: $1.1 billion
- New tax credit: Up to 35% (LA) / 40% (outside LA)
- Employment: 6,500 crew members, 46,000 background actors
- Qualified expenditures: $714 million
- Qualified wages: $413 million
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved Projects | 22 Television Shows |
| Projected Economic Activity | $1.1 Billion |
| Tax Credit | Up to 35% (LA), 40% (Outside LA) |
| Employment | 6,500 Crew Members, 46,000 Background Actors |
| Qualified Expenditures | $714 Million |
| Qualified Wages | $413 Million |
FAQ
What is California’s Film Tax Credit Program?
It is a program established to incentivize film and television productions to film in California, offering tax credits to offset production costs.
How much economic activity is expected from the new television projects?
The 22 television projects are projected to generate $1.1 billion in economic activity for California.
How many jobs will these projects create?
The productions are expected to employ approximately 6,500 crew members and over 46,000 background actors.
What changes were made to the tax credit program?
The program was expanded to double the available funding and increase eligibility for half-hour shows and larger productions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: 22 Productions Selected for California Tax Credits
- Deadline: California Film & TV Production Tax Incentives
- Variety: California Film & TV Tax Credits
- New York Times: California Production Tax Credit
- Hollywood Reporter: Tax Credits for ‘The Studio’
- Wikipedia: California Film Tax Credit
- Google Search: California Film Tax Credit Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Google News: California Film Industry
- New York Times: California Production Tax Credit
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
