In a significant win for California’s push to retain film and TV productions, Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey is relocating its second season from Florida to California, thanks to a $20.6 million tax credit under the state’s film incentive program. Based on Carl Hiaasen’s Florida-centric novel and set in the picturesque Florida Keys, the series made its debut with a strong connection to its Sunshine State backdrop. However, Florida’s lack of production tax incentives has led the show to join the growing roster of projects enticed by California’s lucrative tax breaks.

This allocation was part of a $108.6 million package announced by the California Film Commission, which awarded incentives to ten projects, including other high-profile shows and films.

California’s Growing Investment in Entertainment

California’s current film tax credit program allocates $330 million annually to attract productions, but Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed an ambitious expansion to $750 million in the next budget. This move comes as the entertainment industry continues to recover from the disruptions of the 2023 strikes, and the state seeks to keep jobs, investments, and talent from moving elsewhere.

“These tax credits help us keep jobs here in our state and drive economic growth, but the impact goes beyond the entertainment industry – it supports families, local businesses, and communities statewide,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission.

Disney, Apple TV+, HBO, and Universal were among the biggest beneficiaries in this round of incentives:

• Disney secured $43.5 million for four projects, including Whalefall and an untitled Disney+ miniseries.

• Apple Studios was awarded $12.5 million for Imperfect Women starring Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss, and an additional $10.7 million for an untitled series.

• HBO’s L.A. Nights received $19.4 million.

• Universal’s The Burbs snagged $10.4 million under a $150 million program incentivizing soundstage construction.

Economic Impact

The tax credits aim to keep productions and jobs in California while bolstering local economies. Productions like Bad Monkey not only sustain jobs within the entertainment industry but also ripple into local businesses—supporting vendors, services, and communities statewide.

While other states like Georgia and New Mexico, as well as countries like Canada, have aggressively attracted productions with competitive incentives, California’s commitment to expanding its tax credit program signals a renewed effort to reclaim its title as the global hub of entertainment.

Full List of Tax Credit Recipients

TV Shows:

• L.A. Nights (HBO): $19.4 million

• Untitled Apple Studios Series: $10.7 million

• Bad Monkey Season 2 (Warner Bros. Discovery): $20.6 million

• Imperfect Women (20th Television): $12.5 million

• Untitled Disney+ Miniseries: $14.7 million

• Kate’s Story: $875,000

• LCS Season 1: $3 million

Films:

• Untitled 20th Century Film: $5.9 million

• Whalefall (Disney): $10.4 million

Soundstage Construction:

• The Burbs (Universal): $10.4 million