California is back in the game—or at least it’s trying to be. A newly amended version of Senate Bill 630 is proposing a major revamp of the state’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program, with a headline-grabbing 35% credit on in-state production costs, and the possibility of an additional 5% kicker for shooting outside of Los Angeles.

If approved, this would mark the most dramatic expansion of California’s incentive program since it launched in 2009. The bill also proposes broadening eligibility to include shorter TV episodes (20 minutes or more), animated content, and certain large-scale unscripted shows—think competition series, not reality TV or talk shows. The goal is clear: modernize the program, keep productions in California, and stop the talent drain to states (and countries) that offer juicier incentives.

For comparison, California’s current 20% base rate is no longer cutting it against aggressive competitors like New York, Georgia, or the UK. As streaming platforms tighten belts and the industry rebounds from multiple strikes, fewer projects are choosing to stay in-state. That’s where SB 630 steps in: raising the annual cap from $330 million to $750 million, and loosening some long-standing restrictions (like minimum episode lengths and rigid soundstage lease requirements).

John Prabhu of LA North Studios summed it up bluntly: “Every day we lose productions—and jobs—to other states. If we want to keep Hollywood in Hollywood, we have to act now.”

The local response? Overwhelming support. Groups like Stay in LA are pushing hard for the overhaul, backed not just by filmmakers but also by local businesses—from dry cleaners to tech vendors—who understand what’s at stake. When production leaves town, it’s not just studios that take a hit—it’s the entire creative ecosystem.

That said, California still bars above-the-line costs like director, actor, and producer salaries from being factored into incentives—a sticking point as other hubs allow those expenses to count toward rebates.

Bottom line: This is California’s strongest move yet to stay competitive in the modern production landscape. Now it’s up to lawmakers to decide whether the Golden State stays golden—or continues to bleed content (and cash) to more tax-friendly rivals.