California has announced the latest round of awards under its Film & Television Tax Credit Program, with 52 projects set to receive incentives. According to Governor Gavin Newsom, these productions are expected to generate nearly $1.4 billion for the state’s economy and create jobs for approximately 8,900 cast and crew members as well as 46,400 background performers.
“The film and television industry is the cornerstone of California’s creative economy – revitalizing the job opportunities, business growth and economic prosperity for families. These investments reaffirm that California isn’t just where stories are told, it’s where the future of storytelling is built,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The awarded projects include both major studio-backed productions and independent films. Among them are a new installment in the “Jumanji” franchise from Sony Pictures, Michael Mann’s “Heat 2,” an adaptation titled “Sunday” by Blumhouse Films, a project from NBC Universal produced by the team behind “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and Netflix’s “The Fifth Wheel.”
Director Jake Kasdan commented on bringing Jumanji production back to California: “I’m thrilled that the new Jumanji movie is going to be made in California. I have long looked forward to the day when the California Film Incentive would help us bring movies like this one back home — and now that it does, I am so grateful that ours will be among the first to take advantage of the new program. Making these big popcorn movies requires hundreds of specially-skilled people, and the world’s finest live in California.”
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Motion Picture Group at Sony Pictures Entertainment added: “We are delighted to be able to bring a large, old school, big screen movie to shoot in California, thanks to the newly expanded California tax credit. The resultant work will bring jobs and revenue into the state at a much needed time and will help the filmmakers make the very best film possible.”
This round marks a record number of filming days outside Los Angeles County—511 out-of-zone filming days—which extends economic benefits across multiple counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Imperial, Inyo, Marin, Montecito, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Santa Clara. Productions support local economies through spending on retail businesses such as grocery stores and hardware outlets as well as services like construction and catering.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission (CFC), stated: “This round of awards demonstrates the outstanding scope of our program. We are welcoming projects from major franchises to independent films led by visionary artists. There’s real momentum building. With 52 new projects, we’re seeing storytelling thrive once again, creating thousands of jobs and supporting local businesses in communities across the state. California’s film industry is not just rebounding, it’s redefining what’s possible.”
Independent films also make up a significant portion with 42 supported projects; highlights include “Epiphany” starring Bill Murray and Kristen Wiig; “A Tree is Blue,” produced by Dakota Johnson; “Nightwatching,” produced by Mila Kunis; “Untitled MMX Drama” from Fred Berger; “The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones,” produced by Taika Waititi; and “Sun Baked,” starring Ruby Cruz.
Fred Berger said: “It’s a privilege to make movies in California, which allows us to collaborate with the most talented crews and performers and to tap into an industry ecosystem that is unmatched anywhere in the world. We’re so grateful to be able to shoot our Untitled MMX Drama in LA and highlight the incredible artistry that makes California the heart of filmmaking.”
Producer Ellen Goldsmith-Vein remarked: “As Chair of Mayor Karen Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council, I know how important it is to create in a place that supports storytellers. California has been home to my career from the start, and being able to make Epiphany here means I get to work with the best crews in the business while keeping jobs in my community.”
Producer Dakota Johnson added: ”California has always inspired me. To make an independent film here, with these people and this light, feels like the most natural thing in the world. The crews here care about the work, the process, and the heart behind it. That kind of collaboration is rare, and it means everything to a film like ours.”
The CFC administers this tax credit program which was expanded earlier this year from $330 million annually up to $750 million—a move intended both to retain production activity within California amid competition from other states offering similar incentives.
Since its launch in 2009,the program has contributed over $27 billion toward economic activity statewide while supporting more than 211,000 cast-and-crew jobs.The expansion aims not only at increasing direct investment but also includes workforce diversity requirements,new funding for training programs,and safety initiatives unique within U.S.film incentive programs.
