Governor Newsom announces next round of film and TV tax credits, hit series Baywatch returning to California
17 television projects selected in latest round of expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program, set to generate $1.2 billion in statewide economic activity
What you need to know: The Governor is announcing that 17 television projects — including the reimagined hit series Baywatch and relocated The Night Agent — will receive awards through California’s newly expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, helping spur jobs and reinforce California’s status as the world’s entertainment capital.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the selection of 17 TV projects for the latest round of awards through California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, which will collectively bring an expected $1.2 billion into the state’s economy. This round brings the total economic impact from the first two TV windows of Program 4.0 to over $2.5 billion, as California continues to retain and grow its entertainment workforce and bring high-value, long-run television series back home.
“California’s creative economy isn’t just part of who we are — it helps power this state forward. From the folks on the soundstage to the people designing the sets, these are jobs that anchor communities. And when we make smart investments like our film tax credit, we’re keeping talent here at home, supporting good-paying union jobs, and strengthening an industry that defines the California brand. I’m proud to see the return of Baywatch where it belongs — on sunny California shores, creating jobs and fueling the very entertainment economy that sets this state apart.” Governor Gavin Newsom
The program continues to deliver on its goal to get people back to consistent work, with this latest round of projects expected to employ an estimated 5,165 cast and crew, along with 35,946 background performers (measured in days worked) over the course of 1,000 filming days statewide. This round, which is the second for TV projects in the newly expanded Program 4.0, will bring $902 million in qualified in-state spending inclusive of $487 million in qualified wages.
“California continues to prove that when we invest in our creative workforce, the industry invests right back in us. These series aren’t just coming home, they’re bringing thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in wages, and long-term economic value to our state. The momentum we’re seeing is exactly what this program was designed to deliver.” Colleen Bell, Director California Film Commission
Hit series relocating to the Golden State
Shows relocating to California from New York, New Jersey, Hawaii and various international locations include The Night Agent season 4, Mr. and Mrs. Smith season 2, and iconic beach series Baywatch, which will be coming back to the California coastline for its 12th year on television. Collectively, these three projects will employ nearly 1,000 California cast and crew members with $116 million attributed to qualified wages – jobs and economic activity that would likely not have come to California without the recent expansion of this program.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside our partners at the California Film Commission to create an economically sustainable path for keeping a production like Baywatch – so spectacularly tied to this great city and state – right here in Los Angeles,” said Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment. “We’re especially grateful for the tremendous support from the many public officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who championed this effort, State Senator Ben Allen, State Assemblymember Rick Zbur, L.A. City Councilwoman Traci Park and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. This collaboration between government and entertainment truly shows what’s possible when we work together to support local jobs and economic growth, while showcasing the stunning California coast for audiences around the world.”
“I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show. I started the job in the wake of the California wildfires that devastated the coast and nearly destroyed my house,” states Matt Nix, Baywatch Executive Producer and Showrunner. “I was inspired by the heroism of the first responders who fought to save our community, and I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showing the beauty and possibility of this incredible place. I’m grateful for the support of my partners and Fremantle and Fox and for the support of the California Film Commission. Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper, CEO Global Drama of Fremantle adds, “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio and continues to be one of the most iconic television series worldwide. We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Baywatch’s home has always been the iconic California coast. Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning shows expand investment in California
Fallout, which moved to the state in its second season, will continue production in California for Season 3. This new season represents a significant investment in the state, with $166.3 million in qualified spending and $89.5 million in qualified wages – a 21% increase in spending compared to its previous season.
“California has always dreamed in cinema. But for far too long we have been letting that dream slip away,” exclaims Jonathan Nolan, Director / Writer / Producer of Fallout season 3. “We are so grateful to the film crews, the state legislators, and everyone who took a stand to protect the creative economy and future of California. We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start, and that so many of us call home.”
Returning projects in this latest round of awards include:
- Fallout Season 3 (Amazon)
- Blood Ties Season 2 & Lot Patrol Season 2 (Imani Media Group)
- Forever Season 2 (Netflix)
