The California Film Commission has made headlines by approving a record 51 film productions to benefit from tax incentives through the state’s film and tax credit program, marking the highest number ever approved in a single application window.
These productions are projected to inject $346.9 million into the California economy through wages and generate around $577.8 million in qualified expenditures throughout the state. Additionally, these projects are anticipated to create jobs for 6,490 cast and crew members, alongside hiring approximately 37,000 background performers, measured in days worked.
In an initiative to expand the advantages of the program beyond Hollywood, 31 of the approved productions will take place outside of Los Angeles. These projects have more than 360 combined shooting days scheduled in various locations including Contra Costa, Oakland, Ojai, Merced, and San Diego Counties.
Among the 51 projects, 46 are independent films; however, notable studio projects are also included, such as the follow-up to the Oscar-winning hit “Everything Everywhere All at Once” by filmmakers Dan Kwan and Dan Scheinert, collectively known as the Daniels. Their next movie, set to be produced by Jonathan Wang at Universal, is expected to receive $20.8 million in tax credits from an estimated $106 million in qualified spending.
“We are LA filmmakers, with very dear LA friends, who happen to be some of the greatest creative talents we’ve worked with,” said The Daniels and Wang in a joint statement. “Thanks to the California tax credit on ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once,’ we were able to bring that film to life. We are grateful for the CFC’s commitment to supporting local filmmakers and the broader community. We’re excited to film our next project in Los Angeles, creating jobs and opportunities for countless Californians.”
The new allocation of tax credits comes as California legislators gear up to implement significant changes to the program aimed at curbing the trend of productions relocating to other states and countries. Authors of two bills in the State Assembly and Senate are set to reveal details on proposed changes that could simplify the application process for productions seeking credits. Governor Gavin Newsom is advocating for an increase in the program’s cap from $330 million to $750 million, potentially positioning it as the second largest incentive program in the nation, trailing only behind Georgia’s uncapped program.
“The devastating wildfires in Southern California have presented unprecedented challenges for our film and television community, disrupting more than a dozen productions within our Film & Television Tax Credit Program alone and impacting countless others,” stated Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission.
“These disruptions have affected employment for thousands of cast and crew members, altering everything from production schedules and financing to housing and location access,” Bell elaborated. “Now more than ever, this program is a vital tool to assist productions in recovering, keeping jobs and investment within our state, while ensuring that California remains the heart of the entertainment industry.”
The complete list of approved projects can be viewed here.
