Animated projects from DreamWorks Animation and Disney Entertainment Television are also receiving awards, marking a significant expansion of animation’s eligibility within the state’s incentive program.
California has awarded tax credits to 38 film projects through its expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program, including The Simpsons Movie 2 from 20th Century Studios, marking one of the first rounds to include animated features alongside big-budget and independent productions. The projects are expected to generate nearly $800 million in economic activity and include more than 460 filming days outside the traditional 30-mile studio zone.
Animated feature films were eligible for the first time in the program's history, with three projects selected from DreamWorks Animation, 20th Century Studios, and Disney Television Animation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, other projects that will get subsidies include untitled films from Paramount ($25.9 million) and DreamWorks Animation ($24.7 million), plus a Disney live-action title ($18.2 million). These productions are expected to employ 484 cast and crew members and generate $144 million in qualified expenditures. Disney Entertainment Television (a Phineas and Ferb film receiving $3.5 million) was also noted.
The newly awarded projects are expected to employ 5,316 cast and crew members and account for 1,019 shooting days across California, including 463 days in regions outside the primary studio zone such as Humboldt, Inyo, Kern, Mendocino, Nevada, San Francisco, San Diego, Marin, and Ventura counties. In total, the 38 films will receive roughly $193.5 million for $545 million in qualified spending, which includes $373 million in wages.
In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsome said, “California remains the entertainment capital of the world — and we’re making sure it stays that way. Our expanded film and television tax credit is keeping more productions here in the Golden State, creating good-paying jobs and supporting communities statewide. I’m proud to announce the next round of projects that will keep California films rolling and strengthen our leadership in the global creative economy.”
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, added, “This round marks a truly exciting milestone for our program. For the first time, we’re welcoming animated feature films from powerhouses DreamWorks Animation, 20th Century Studios and Disney Television Animation, alongside a strong slate of big budget features and independent productions, that bring fresh voices and original storytelling to the screen. With more than 45% of filming days taking place outside the traditional studio zone, we’re seeing the real-world economic impact of this program reach communities across the entire state. That’s what this program is about: creating good-paying jobs and supporting local businesses, while bolstering California’s creative economy in regions across the state.”
California officials shared that the program expansion, implemented last year, has significantly increased participation. In its first application window, submissions rose more than 400%, and the California Film Commission has since approved 147 productions, representing $5.5 billion in economic activity, more than 21,500 cast and crew jobs, and 5,928 filming days statewide.
Source: Official California Government website
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
