Mayor Karen Bass joined Governor Gavin Newsom to announce the successful passage of a $750 million expansion to California’s Film and Television Tax Credit program. The initiative is designed to keep film and TV production in-state and support job growth across Los Angeles and the broader entertainment sector.
Since taking office, Mayor Bass has prioritized keeping production local. Her administration has implemented several measures aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of filming in Los Angeles, including the signing of executive directives and the formation of an Entertainment Industry Council.
“Thank you to our Governor, the state legislature and the collective strong support of so many of us – the Golden State is expanding the Film & TV Tax Credit and keeping jobs at home,” said Mayor Bass. “The entertainment industry touches our city in so many different ways. We have tens of thousands of Angelenos working in the industry — actors, directors, writers, stagehands and more — but it’s also about all the businesses that rely on this industry — the flower stores, the carpentry shops, the restaurants.”
Governor Newsom echoed the importance of maintaining California’s role in the entertainment landscape. “California is where filmed entertainment was born, and with this expansion, we’re making sure it stays here,” he said. “We’re not just investing in productions and soundstages — we’re investing in middle-class careers, small businesses, and the communities that power this iconic industry.”
The tax credit expansion has received support from industry leaders, including Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Chair of Mayor Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council and CEO of The Gotham Group. “We’re all thrilled that this historic action has passed the Legislature and will soon make a big difference in the overall health of the film and television industry in California,” said Goldsmith-Vein. “Now we have the tools to make significant improvements to our funding system for projects of all sizes.”
Recent efforts by the Bass administration to bolster local production include:
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Executive Directive 11 (May 2025): Aimed at lowering costs and streamlining permitting processes for on-location filming across Los Angeles.
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Entertainment Industry Council: Formed to provide policy insight from industry leaders.
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Executive Directive 8: Focused on creating a service-oriented approach within city departments, requiring film liaisons in relevant agencies.
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Studio & Soundstage Concierge Services: Created to support new development and navigate city processes. The program has assisted in the development of seven new studio projects and supports a pipeline of over 8 million square feet in media-related production and office space.
Officials say the combined local and state-level actions are intended to sustain Los Angeles as a global hub for film and television production.
