LA's Production Boom: How California's New Film Incentive is Fueling a 400% Surge
You can feel the buzz across Los Angeles. After a sector-wide slowdown, the energy is back, and the reason is clear: California has dramatically expanded its film and TV tax credit program, and the industry has responded in a massive way.
The California Film Commission recently reported a stunning 400% increase in applications for the first TV series window in July. This incredible surge signals a renewed wave of production momentum heading straight for LA, and for those of us in the industry, it’s the best news we’ve heard all year.
So, what’s behind this production renaissance? Let’s break down the key changes.
What’s Changed? A Breakdown of the New Incentives
The state has supercharged its incentive program to make California the most competitive and attractive place to film. The annual allocation has more than doubled from $330 million to an impressive $750 million. Here’s what that means for producers:
Bigger Credits, Bigger Productions: The available tax credit on qualified in-state costs has jumped from 20-25% to a much more attractive 35-40%. The per-project expense cap has also been raised to $120 million, allowing for up to $48 million in credits—nearly double the previous maximum.
A Wider Net for Eligibility: The program now welcomes a broader range of projects. The minimum runtime for TV episodes has been lowered from 40 to just 20 minutes, opening the door for half-hour comedies and sitcoms to qualify for the first time.
The Game-Changer: Refundable Credits: In a pivotal move, the credits are now refundable. This allows productions to receive a cash rebate even if they don’t have a California state tax liability, making filming here a financially sound decision for a wider array of companies.
What This Means for Productions in Los Angeles
This isn't just about numbers; it's about jobs, creativity, and opportunity. The new structure is projected to create between 4,400 and 5,500 new roles annually, reinvigorating the local industry from the ground up.
For us here at Buttercup Venues, this boom is exhilarating. A 400% increase in applications means more feature films, more TV shows, more commercials, and more photoshoots are looking for a home in LA. With this surge in production, the hunt for the right location—one that inspires creativity and maximizes your budget—is more critical than ever.
Find the Perfect LA Location for Your Incentivized Project
Whether you’re shooting a new half-hour sitcom that’s now eligible for credits or a high-impact feature film, the right setting is everything. Our curated collection of Los Angeles venues is perfectly suited for this new era of production. With over 75 years of combined expertise, we know what it takes to make a shoot successful.
Our diverse portfolio includes:
Industrial Warehouses: Gritty, spacious, and versatile for large-scale builds.
Artistic Galleries: Clean lines and sophisticated backdrops for elegant scenes.
Versatile Lofts: The perfect setting for everything from sitcoms to commercials.
Furnished Offices: Turnkey solutions for corporate and dramatic scenes.
The next application window for feature films is August 25-27. Now is the time to scout locations and lock in the perfect backdrop for your project.
