The California Film Commission has awarded nearly $200 million in tax credits to 38 projects as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to increase film production in the state.
“California remains the entertainment capital of the world — and we’re making sure it stays that way,” Newsom said in a statement released Thursday, April 23. “Our expanded film and television tax credit is keeping more productions here in the Golden State, creating good-paying jobs and supporting communities statewide.”
The projects, which range from smaller independent productions to studio movies such as “The Simpsons Movie 2,” are the latest to receive financial help from the state since lawmakers expanded the Film and Television Tax Credit Program from $330 million a year to $750 million in June.
The total tab in this round amounts to $193 million, ranging from the $250,000 awarded to an indie film called “Open Roof” to the $25.9 million given to an untitled Paramount crime thriller. The productions are expected to spend more than 460 filming days outside Southern California’s traditional 30-mile studio zone and generate nearly $800 million in economic activity.
It is unclear which projects are scheduled to film in the Bay Area, though San Francisco and Marin were among the counties listed as filming locations in Newsom’s announcement.
Twentieth Century Studios’ “The Simpsons Movie 2” was awarded $21.9 million. Other highlights include the Netflix remake of “13 Going on 30” ($10.9 million), the Will Ferrell-produced “Self-Help” ($2.6 million), the Laverne Cox-starring “Black Is Blue” ($1.3 million) and Disney Television Animation’s “Phineas and Ferb” ($3.45 million).
“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,” Ferrell said in a statement.
Since the expansion bill was passed, the California Film Commission has approved tax credits for 147 productions, a 53% increase from the year before. The commission claims the productions represent 5,928 filming days, generating $5.5 billion in economic activity and providing 21,504 cast and crew jobs.
“With more than 45% of filming days taking place outside the traditional studio zone, we’re seeing the real-world economic impact of this program reach communities across the entire state,” CFC Executive Director Colleen Bell said. “That’s what this program is about: creating good-paying jobs and supporting local businesses, while bolstering California’s creative economy in regions across the state.”