Written by new-contact on Jul 3, 2014. Posted in Incentive News

California releases list of productions for filming incentive support

The California Film Commission has announced initial filming incentive approval for 26 productions for the next year. Eleven features and 13 TV series are among those selected for the state’s 20% tax credit, including one show – Being Mary Jane – that’s relocating from Georgia.

Nearly 500 different productions applied for filming incentive support – marking a 30% increase on last year – and the California Film Commission estimates the 26 selected projects will generate around USD800 million for the state. The rest of the applicants will join a waiting list.

“Now in its sixth year, California’s tax credit programme has proven to be our most effective economic development tool for retaining and attracting production jobs, spending and tax revenues,” explained Amy Lemisch, Executive Director of the California Film Commission.

“The projects that receive our tax credit incentive will have a broad impact across the state’s economy as they create jobs and support thousands of small businesses.”

The feature films that have made the initial list are largely independent productions, with just two studio titles included. Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Star Trek Into Darkness are the only big-budget productions to have shot in California in the last few years.

The projects that receive our tax credit incentive will have a broad impact across the state’s economy.

Amy Lemisch, Executive Director of the California Film Commission

A new filming incentive bill has been put forward to expand California’s incentive support to big-budget features and high-end TV dramas, but the bill will need the support of a sceptical Governor if it is to become law.

This year, New York has hosted more TV drama pilots than California for the first time and the production exodus continues from Los Angeles to cities like New Orleans, Atlanta, Vancouver and Toronto, all of which offer more generous filming incentives. The UK is also becoming a favourite for Marvel and is now home to the new Star Wars films.

(Image: Paramount)