All articles tagged with #california film tax credit
California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed expanding the state’s film and television tax credit program from $750 million to at least $1 billion annually. The plan includes covering above-the-line talent, extending the program through 2040, and allocating $100 million for independent productions. Newsom also urged Congress to pass a national tax credit to support the industry.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed expanding the state’s film and television tax credit program from $750 million to over $1 billion annually. The move, announced on November 2, 2026, aims to retain production jobs and compete with other states and countries. The proposal includes extending the program’s sunset date to 10 years, increasing independent film funding, and adding incentives for multiple productions. While Newsom supports a federal tax credit, the state-level expansion faces legislative hurdles before his term ends in January 2027.
California lawmakers introduced a new trailer bill to mitigate the impact of recent budget changes on the state's film and television tax credit program. The legislation aims to exempt independent productions from new business tax credit caps and allow faster monetization of refunds, following a failed attempt to secure a full industry exemption. Supporters argue the move is necessary to retain jobs and maintain California's status as a global entertainment hub, while critics note it may not fully restore industry confidence in the stability of state incentives.
Los Angeles is losing its grip on the entertainment industry as productions flee for better tax incentives. While California doubled its film credit to $750 million, it faces new threats from a corporate tax cap and aggressive competition from Illinois and overseas. The state has lost over 57,000 jobs since 2022, prompting a political fight to save the industry.
Los Angeles area film and TV production shows a nascent rebound after Apple-like lows, with Q1 2026 shoot days up about 10% from Oct–Dec 2025 and features postings up 52% year-over-year, helped by California’s expanded tax-credit program. Incentivized titles now account for roughly 7% of all shoot days and represent about 22% of feature and 17% of TV production. However, overall shoot days (5,121) remain about 30% below the five-year average, and TV, especially unscripted reality, continues to lag, indicating the rebound is uneven and still fragile despite early signs of improvement.