SACRAMENTO:- Business is picking up again in Hollywood, due to Governor Newsom’s historic expansion of California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which is creating more production and more jobs in California. In the first quarter of this year, feature film shoot days increased more than 45% over the previous quarter and more than 52% year over year. TV drama also saw a substantial increase, with shoot days up more than 40% over the previous quarter and more than 7% year over year.  

This new data further reinforces one simple fact: production in the state is being driven by recipients of Governor Newsom’s expanded California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. Since the Governor and Legislature took action to expand the program from $330 million to $750 million last July and open it to a broader range of television and animated productions, 147 productions have already been awarded tax credits, generating $5.5 billion in total economic activity, 21,504 cast and crew jobs, and 5,928 filming days statewide.

The new data also shows that in the first quarter of 2026:

21.8% of all shoot days in the feature film category went to California tax credit recipients, including Behemoth! (Searchlight Pictures), One Attempt Remaining (Netflix) and Nightwatching (Amazon MGM Studios).

33.7% of the shoot days in the TV drama category can be attributed to recipients of the tax credit program, including the much anticipated Baywatch reboot (Fox), The Rookie S8 (ABC), and Matlock S2 (CBS).

What they are saying:

Industry leaders, labor partners, and independent filmmakers are voicing strong support for the Governor’s leadership in bringing film and television shoots back home, while supporting workers and small businesses right here in the Golden State.

Industry leaders

Denise Gutches, CEO, FilmLA: “While it’s still too early to make predictions for the coming months, the increase in Shoot Days we are seeing in key categories gives hope for a broader rise in production activity and points to the California Film and Television Tax Program’s growing impact on local job creation.”

Pam Elyea, Vice President, History for Hire: “History For Hire Prop House, is a 40+ year old family owned business based in North Hollywood. We are daily seeing the benefits of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit program. Projects: The Studio, Gold Mountain, Untitled Snowfall Spinoff, NCIS Origins, Behemoth! and Fallout are just a few of the projects we are working with who received Film and Television Tax Credits. We have been able to keep our doors open and employ our staff full time, with benefits, because of increased production in Los Angeles. There are no quick fixes to business problems (nor should there be), but the support of the California Film and Television Tax Credit program makes my husband and I want to stay in business and persevere through this tough economic path with an eye to better times ahead for the next generation of prop house owners. When California cares about our company, we care about California.”

Studios & Talent

Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA): “The progress throughout California’s film and TV production landscape is a strong step in the right direction for the state’s recently enhanced production incentive program. The MPA and our member studios commend Governor Newsom for his ongoing leadership in support of the entertainment industry. We are confident that Californians will keep building on these vital steps forward — and that the Golden State will continue to play a starring role in delivering incredible stories to audiences everywhere and powering creative and economic opportunity for workers, businesses, and communities statewide.”

Greg Bonann, LA County Lifeguard, Creator, Producer, Director, Baywatch: “You can shoot anywhere in the world, but you can’t fake California. The ocean, the crews, the culture, it’s all here. That authenticity is what built Baywatch, and it’s what will keep great productions coming back. I’ve spent my life on these beaches, both as a lifeguard and as a storyteller, and there’s no substitute for California. The talent base, the crews, and the environment all show up on screen. It’s great to see production coming back home where it belongs.”

Jackie Schaffer, Writer/Director, Untitled Schaffer Comedy Pilot at FX: “California has and always will be a home for great storytelling. The increase in production is a great sign for the industry and for the talented crew members whom we rely on to bring these stories to life.”

Labor & Production Partners

Marissa Bernstel, Animation Guild executive board trustee: “Studios have been chasing animation tax credits in other states and countries for years, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see them use California’s for the very first time. The results feel very real, and I’m excited to see what future employment opportunities the incentive inspires.”

Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS): “Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) is encouraged by the upward trend in production and is seeing that momentum reflected statewide. The Film & Television Tax Credit Program is helping to drive growth across California’s diverse communities.”

Rebecca Rhine, DGA Western Executive Director, President, Entertainment Union Coalition: “We welcome this news as a positive sign that our industry may finally be turning a corner in California, and we look forward to taking the next steps necessary to keep this momentum going. This program is an investment that is already paying dividends as we continue this fight to protect an iconic industry that supports vendors, small businesses, tourism, and middle-class families while also strengthening the state’s economy. We can never take it for granted.”

Elected leaders

Tamala Takahashi, Burbank Mayor: “California’s latest round of film and television tax credits signals strong momentum in the entertainment industry, with Burbank at the center of that growth. As the Media Capital of the World, home to more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, these investments translate directly into jobs, local spending, and opportunities for our creative workforce. We’re already seeing that impact with productions like The Pitt filming at Warner Bros. in Burbank, alongside major milestones like the opening of the Ranch Lot Studios and the move of Hallmark Media to Burbank. This continued activity reflects the confidence in Burbank as a place to create, produce, and grow, and is a testament to the strength of our industry and the people who support it.”

Film projects awarded 

Will Ferrell, Gloria Sanchez Productions: “We’re honored that Self Help has been selected for California’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program. We’re seeing real momentum again in California, and it’s incredibly meaningful to be part of bringing production home and working with the crews who make this industry so special.

Laverne Cox, lead actor in Black is Blue: “I’m incredibly grateful to the California Film Commission for supporting Black Is Blue. California has always been a place where bold, authentic stories come to life, and being able to make this film here means we get to collaborate with some of the most talented crews and artists in the world while investing back into the creative community that makes this industry possible.”

Snoop Dogg, Producer, Untitled Snoop Dogg Project: “Big love to the California Film Commission and Gov. Newsom for holdin’ it down with that tax credit. Y’all making it possible for us to tell my story right here where it all began. California raised me, inspired me, and now helpin’ bring this biopic to life in 2026. Much respect – that’s real teamwork, ya dig…”

Jake Kasdan, Director of Jumaniji:  “I’m thrilled that the new Jumanji movie is going to be made in California. I have long looked forward to the day when the California Film Incentive would help us bring movies like this one back home — and now that it does, I am so grateful that ours will be among the first to take advantage of the new program. Making these big popcorn movies requires hundreds of specially-skilled people, and the world’s finest live in California.”

Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment: “We are delighted to be able to bring a large, old school, big screen movie to shoot in California, thanks to the newly expanded California tax credit. The resultant work will bring jobs and revenue into the state at a much needed time and will help the filmmakers make the very best film possible.”

Scott Budnick, CEO, 1Community, Producer, Guerrero: “This film is a love letter to a community that is woven into the fabric of our state, so it’s only right that we shoot this project here. I’m so fortunate that a movie with cultural resonance to and about Los Angeles and California has been selected for the Tax Credit, and I’m excited to bring these stories to the screen.”

Gina Rodriguez, Director, Guerrero: “I’m deeply honored that our film has been selected for the California Tax Credit. Having the opportunity to bring this project to life in Los Angeles means a great deal to me, not only because this city has shaped so much of my creative path, but because it allows us to collaborate with the inimitable crews and craftspeople who make California such a singular home for filmmaking.”

Television projects awarded 

Matt Nix, Baywatch Executive Producer and Showrunner: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show. I started the job in the wake of the California wildfires that devastated the coast and nearly destroyed my house. I was inspired by the heroism of the first responders who fought to save our community, and I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showing the beauty and possibility of this incredible place. I’m grateful for the support of my partners and Fremantle and Fox and for the support of the California Film Commission. Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”

Christian Vesper, CEO Global Drama of Fremantle: “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio and continues to be one of the most iconic television series worldwide. We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Baywatch’s home has always been the iconic California coast. Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”

John Wells, executive producer, and Noah Wyle, executive producer and star of The Pitt: “We’re thrilled to produce The Pitt right here in California, a state where so many of our cast and crew call home. Being able to produce the show on the Warner Bros. Lot in Burbank, with over 300 cast and production members working every day, underscores the value of the California production incentive program. We’re thankful for the opportunity to stay local and look forward to another production season.”

Jonathan Nolan, Director / Writer / Producer of Fallout season 3: “California has always dreamed in cinema.  But for far too long we have been letting that dream slip away. We are so grateful to the film crews, the state legislators, and everyone who took a stand to protect the creative economy and future of California. We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start, and that so many of us call home.”
Dan Fogelman, Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner, Paradise, and Sterling K. Brown, Star/Executive Producer, Paradise: “We are thrilled that we are going to be able to continue shooting our second season of Paradise in Los Angeles, thanks in no small part to California’s film and TV tax credit. We’ve been lucky enough to shoot in Los Angeles for the majority of our careers – it is home to the best crews in the world and allowing series to shoot (and remain) in L.A. provides consistent work for countless craftspeople, allowing us all to remain in town with our families and loved ones.”

Mara Brock Akil, Executive Producer, Forever: “I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception and continuing FOREVER here for Season 2 means everything. This show is both a love story and a love letter to Los Angeles— the city that raised me and shaped my voice as a storyteller. Working with world-class crews while keeping jobs in my community– that’s not just filmmaking, that’s legacy. California nurtures dreamers, and I’m grateful to keep dreaming here.”

Rachel Sennott and Emma Barrie, co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers of I Love LA: “The California Soundstage Program is a huge boost to our show, which will film in and around Los Angeles. It enables us to showcase the city we love and create meaningful jobs and new opportunities. We are truly grateful to be part of such an outstanding program.”

Kenya Barris, “Group Chat” creator, executive producer and showrunner: “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. 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.”

Manny Halley, producer and executive producer: “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. 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 amongst 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.”

Animation and competition show projects awarded 

Dan Harmon, creator, writer, and producer of President Curtis: “We are thrilled to be recognized by the California Film Commission’s Tax Credit Program as its first animated series. Our crew is the best in the business, and the Tax Credit Program will allow us to prevent outsourcing and hire more Los Angeles-based talent.”

Jimmy Kimmel, executive producer of SCHOOLED!: “We are grateful to be the first competition series selected by the California Film Commission to receive tax credits in California. Mark Rober’s goal is to teach students about science and engineering, and we are proud to create jobs and produce fun, educational programming that does just that right here in our beautiful state.”

Mark Rober, creator and executive producer of SCHOOLED!: “Huge shoutout to the California Film Commission for helping make SCHOOLED! possible right here in my home state of California. This place is full of brilliant, creative people who make ambitious ideas like this series possible. We’re gonna inspire the next generation of engineers and problem solvers. Let’s go!”