Governor Newsom doubles down on Hollywood, pledging $750 million to keep productions—and jobs—at home

In a high-profile appearance in Burbank, Governor Gavin Newsom declared California “open for production” as he unveiled a massive expansion to the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program—one of the most aggressive moves yet to retain Hollywood’s film and TV dominance.

The annual funding for the program will jump from $330 million to $750 million, a historic surge that state officials say will help combat the ongoing flight of productions to states and countries offering more generous incentives. Alongside the expansion, Newsom announced 16 new television projects that have been greenlit for tax credit support, together expected to bring in $1.1 billion in direct in-state spending and create nearly 6,700 cast and crew jobs.

“California is where filmed entertainment was born,” said Governor Newsom. “With this expansion, we’re making sure it stays here. We’re not just investing in productions and soundstages—we’re investing in middle-class careers, small businesses, and the communities that power this iconic industry.”

A Strategic Play to Keep Productions in California

Since its launch in 2009, California’s tax credit program has backed nearly 850 projects, generating more than $27 billion in economic activity and supporting over 209,000 jobs with benefits. According to state data, each dollar in tax credits returns $24.40 in economic output, $16.14 in GDP, and $8.60 in wages—making it one of the most ROI-friendly incentives in the nation.

This year’s overhaul—dubbed Program 4.0—marks the first time the tax credit will be refundable, a long-sought update that levels the playing field with other states like Georgia and New Jersey, which have attracted a wave of runaway productions in recent years.

“This expansion is about California’s long game,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of GO-Biz. “We’re ensuring California remains the premier place to work, create, and tell stories that reach across the world.”

The state also plans to enhance diversity requirements, boost career training programs, and continue its Safety on Production Pilot Program—a national first.

Why It Matters

The move is aimed squarely at reversing recent losses. According to the California Film Commission, 69% of projects that applied for but didn’t receive a tax credit ended up shooting out of state. With new funding, the state hopes to not only prevent further departures but reclaim some of what’s been lost.

“This isn’t just about keeping cameras rolling,” said Film Commission Director Colleen Bell. “It’s about sustaining careers, building opportunity, and ensuring that the economic and cultural benefits of filmmaking stay right here in the Golden State.”

What’s Coming to California

Among the 16 newly approved television projects:

• Returning series: NCIS: Origins (CBS), Paradise (Hulu), and The Pitt (HBO Max)

• One relocating series: Amazon’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith

• Two projects filming outside LA: contributing 23 filming days in other parts of the state

In total, the productions will account for 1,308 filming days, 6,664 hires, and 59,000 background workdays.

“We’re thrilled we get to continue shooting Paradise in Los Angeles,” said creator/showrunner Dan Fogelman and executive producer/star Sterling K. Brown. “This program allows us to keep working with the best crews in the world—and stay close to our families.”

What’s Next

While the current budget package secured the funding increase, additional legislation is expected in the coming weeks to further modernize the program. Application windows for the next round of tax credits open July 7–9 for TV and August 25–27 for film.

For the first time in the program’s history, all projects approved under Program 4.0 will be eligible for refundable credits—an important shift that removes long-standing barriers for smaller and independent productions.

This expansion arrives at a critical moment for California, as global production declines and rising costs pressure legacy hubs. Just last week, the UK’s Pinewood Studios unveiled a $1.3 billion (approx. £1 billion) expansion plan, while Texas lawmakers passed a ten-year, $500 million film incentive package.

By contrast, California’s bold $750 million annual commitment signals a renewed push to hold its ground—and reclaim lost productions.