Apple TV+’s The Studio and a new Larry David project for HBO headline the first wave of productions receiving subsidies under California’s newly expanded entertainment tax credit program — a bold bid to keep Hollywood at home.
The California Film Commission confirmed Wednesday that 22 TV projects have been awarded $256 million in incentives, projected to generate $1.1 billion in economic activity, support 6,500 cast and crew jobs, and employ more than 46,000 background performers.
The surge in applications — a nearly 400 percent jump — follows sweeping reforms that doubled the program’s cap from $330 million to $750 million annually, increased base credits to 35 percent, and broadened eligibility to cover sitcoms, animation, and large-scale competition shows.
“California has long been the entertainment capital of the world — and the newly expanded film and TV tax credit program is keeping it that way,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “We’re not just protecting our legacy — we’re reminding the world why the Golden State remains the beating heart of film and television.”
The Productions
Among the winners: The Studio (Apple TV+), shot in Los Angeles and Las Vegas; NCIS Origins (CBS Studios); Presumed Innocent (Warner Bros. Television); SWAT Exiles (Sony Pictures Television); and a still-untitled pilot from Kenya Barris, who praised the program for allowing him to work with “the best crews and craftspeople around” while continuing to spotlight L.A. culture.
A relocation credit was awarded to Tom Segura’s Netflix comedy Bad Thoughts, which is moving production from Texas to California.
Industry Impact
The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for Los Angeles, where crews have faced lean months following the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and a wave of runaway production. Texas recently boosted its own incentive pool by $100 million, highlighting the fierce interstate competition California is battling.
Alexandra Daddario and Zoe Saldaña’s Lioness, Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, and other recent productions choosing Texas underscore the urgency behind California’s aggressive tax credit expansion.
For now, with $256 million on the table, Hollywood has new reasons to stay close to home.
