California Issues Tax Credits to 22 TV Projects

With applications up nearly 400 percent, California’s expanded film and television tax credit program has approved 22 TV projects, which are expected to deliver a $1.1 billion boost to the state’s economy.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently expanded the state’s film and television tax credits system, more than doubling the available funding. The productions will account for more than 1,100 filming days statewide.

“California has long been the entertainment capital of the world—and the newly expanded film and TV tax credit program is keeping it that way,” Governor Newsom said. “This program means paychecks for middle-class workers, opportunities for small businesses and investment in communities up and down the state. We’re not just protecting our legacy—we’re reminding the world why the Golden State remains the beating heart of film and television.”

“The Film and Television Tax Credit Program is meeting the challenge of creating jobs and keeping productions here at home,” said Colleen Bell, executive director of the California Film Commission. “These 22 television projects will employ thousands of Californians and generate hundreds of millions for our state’s economy. Most importantly, they will keep world-class talent and crews here, ensuring California drives the future of storytelling.”

The 22 shows include five returning series, two projects relocating to California and 15 new shows. While most filming will take place in Los Angeles, four projects will shoot at least partially outside the region.

Approved projects include a new drama for Hulu from Dan Fogelman, Larry David’s new HBO show, returning seasons of The Studio and Presumed Innocent, Sony Pictures Television’s S.W.A.T. Exiles, CBS Studios’ NCIS: Origins and Group Chat, a new 20th Television pilot for Hulu from Kenya Barris.

“I am thrilled that we are going to be able to shoot Group Chat in Los Angeles thanks to the California Film Commission tax credit,” Barris said. “As an LA native, I feel lucky to have been able to shoot so many projects here throughout my career and love that we’ll be able to continue spotlighting our incredible city, its people and the culture. Not only does this credit allow us to work with the best crews and craftspeople around but, more importantly, it allows us to create jobs and support the LA film community at a time when it’s more important than ever.”

“This bold program, designed by the California Film Commission, is incredibly clever and allows us to keep our film and TV productions in our preferred shooting destination—California,” added producer and executive producer Manny Halley. “The state’s diverse locations and unmatched infrastructure provide everything we need for any project and pave the way for the creation of hundreds of jobs on every shoot, which is something we’re incredibly proud of. We’re thankful to be among those selected to participate in the program and are excited to begin production on the next installments of our True to the Game and Angel franchises, right here in California this year.”

The state’s film and television tax credit program has approved 807 projects since its launch in 2009, generating nearly $29 billion in economic activity.