17 TV projects, including ‘Baywatch’ reboot, get a California film tax credit

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California attracted over a dozen television shows with financial incentives to film in the state. This includes several shows, like the action series “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and a new version of “Baywatch,” that are moving production from other locations.

These 17 television series are projected to create $1.2 billion in economic impact for the state. Production will involve approximately 5,165 people working as cast and crew, plus over 35,000 extras.

As a huge movie and TV fan, I was reading about all the tax credits awarded to shows filming in New York, and the numbers are pretty staggering! Around $313 million was given out in total. “Fallout” Season 3 took the biggest slice, with a credit of $166 million. It’s cool to see big productions like the new “Baywatch” (which moved from Hawaii) getting $21 million to film here, and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” after filming in New York and Italy, received almost $80 million. Even the Netflix show “Forever” got a nice boost of nearly $63 million. It’s great for the state and means we get to see more awesome shows being made!

These television shows are benefiting from the second round of awards given through the state’s updated film and television tax credit program. State lawmakers approved the program and Governor Gavin Newsom signed it into law earlier this year. The updated program offers a larger incentive pool – up to $750 million, compared to the previous $330 million.

Eligibility criteria was also expanded to allow more types of shows to apply.

As a big movie fan, I was really happy to hear about the changes to the program! It sounds like the Hollywood unions, studios, and people working in the industry were pushing hard for this because so much filming was leaving for places that offered better tax breaks and incentives. They really needed to do something to keep productions here!

As a lifelong movie fan, I was really pleased to hear Governor Newsom talk about how important the film industry is to California. He basically said it’s not just about entertainment – it’s a huge driver for the state’s economy. He highlighted that things like the film tax credit are vital for keeping filmmakers and crews working right here in California, providing solid union jobs, and maintaining that iconic ‘California’ look we all recognize in so many films and shows.

Matt Nix, the executive producer and showrunner of “Baywatch”, said the January wildfires actually motivated him to film in California. He explained in a statement that while the fires came dangerously close to his home, he was deeply inspired by the bravery of the firefighters and other first responders who worked to protect their community.

“Baywatch was born in Los Angeles,” Nix said. “I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”

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2025-11-20 19:01