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Tom is a filmmaker, producer, and marketing specialist based in Los Angeles.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
Reality TV may not always follow a script, but it does follow the same incentive rules as its scripted counterparts.
Production incentives, at their most basic, return money to a production based on how much the project spends in a particular state. Every incentive program has its own regulations and qualification criteria, but incentives almost always come in one of three forms:
If this is your first time working with production incentives, this guide to the various types of incentives can be a useful primer for understanding all your options.
Once you’re familiar with how each type of incentive can return money to your show, the next most important thing to consider is location.
While scripted film and television productions often have the flexibility to choose a filming location based on available incentives, reality TV typically follows its subject matter.
Choosing an incentive isn’t just about which state offers the best rate—it’s about finding an incentive that aligns with your show’s needs. For example, a docuseries about deep-sea fishing will naturally require coastal locations, while a dating show focused on Salt Lake City singles can really only be shot in Utah.
If a state offers an attractive tax break but doesn’t fit your content, the incentive may not be that useful.
That’s not to say that filming locations should be your only consideration. After all, a lot of reality TV comes together in the edit. That’s why post-production incentives can be just as important for reality as traditional production incentives.
Some states require that a production be filmed in-state to qualify for post-production incentives. Others offer standalone post-production incentives that allow productions to claim rebates or tax credits even if principal photography occurred elsewhere.
For productions that are particularly post-heavy—lots of footage, complex editing, intensive VFX—standalone post incentives can be a game-changer. If you have the flexibility to edit in a state with a standalone post incentive, you might find significant savings even if there aren’t production incentives where you shoot.
Once you’ve identified the states with the best incentives for your reality show, your next step is making sure your project can qualify. Incentive programs typically fall into two categories:
For reality TV productions that work on tighter turnaround times, first-come, first-served programs may offer a more predictable route to incentives. Selective programs, on the other hand, can be beneficial for long-running series with proven economic benefits, such as multi-season reality franchises that bring repeat business to a state.
All of these considerations are worth having in mind as you explore the various reality TV production incentives offered by states across the country, so you can select programs that are well-suited to your project.
Now let’s take a closer look at which states currently offer production incentives for reality TV…
Unscripted television encompasses a wide array of programming including reality shows, game shows, talk shows, travel shows, and docuseries. Production incentives for unscripted shows can help you save money on productions that fall into any of these categories and more—though be aware that most incentives do not cover live sports programming or news broadcast.
Below, we’ll explore all of the states offering tax incentives for reality TV, along with the key requirements for eligibility, so you can determine which program best suits your production.
Alabama’s picturesque coast, charming small towns, and growing production infrastructure help make it an increasingly attractive destination for reality TV.
Shows including HGTV’s Home Town Takeover, Love in Fairhope, and Love and Marriage: Huntsville have all been filmed in Alabama with support from Alabama reality TV production tax incentives.
With its incentive program, Alabama offers a 25%–35% fully refundable tax credit on qualified production expenses. Productions must spend at least $500,000 in the state to qualify for the film tax credits.
For more details on how Alabama supports film and television projects, check out Wrapbook’s guide to the Alabama Film Office.
After revamping its film tax credit program in 2023, Arizona is now an even more attractive destination for reality TV production.
The Arizona film tax credit provides a 15%–22.5% fully refundable tax credit to productions that spend at least $250,000 or 10% of their total budget—whichever is lower—within the state.
Arizona reality TV production tax incentives are tiered according to in-state spend, so:
Arizona also requires that productions meet certain location requirements in order to qualify for the film tax credit, so make sure you’re familiar with all of the program’s criteria before applying.
With its diverse natural landscapes and welcoming film community, Arkansas is a great option for unscripted productions seeking an authentic small-town or outdoor feel.
Arkansas offers a 25%–30% transferable tax credit to reality TV productions that spend at least $100,000 in the state.
Arkansas reality TV production tax incentives are also available for post-production only projects. Projects can qualify for a standalone post-production tax credit if they spend at least $50,000 on post work in Arkansas.
All projects are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Colorado’s stunning mountain landscapes and thriving urban centers make it a strong candidate for reality TV productions, particularly those seeking an outdoorsy aesthetic.
The state offers a 20%–22% refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $100,000 on production in Colorado.
To qualify for Colorado reality TV production incentives, productions must meet the following criteria:
Colorado also offers standalone post-production incentives, making it an excellent option for projects looking to edit in the Centennial State after filming elsewhere.
Connecticut has long been a hub for unscripted television with numerous reality TV and talk shows filming in the state, including talk show titans The Jerry Springer Show and Maury, along with more recent hits like Bravo’s Camp Getaway.
A big part of Connecticut’s appeal: a 10%–30% transferable tax credit for productions that meet a $100,000 minimum spend requirement.
In Connecticut, reality TV production tax incentives are tiered. Productions that spend more in the state can earn back more in credits:
Connecticut also extends production incentives to standalone post-production projects, allowing productions to claim a credit for qualified post-production conducted in Connecticut, even if principal photography occurred elsewhere.
Delaware offers a film tax rebate of up to 30%, making it a solid option for unscripted productions looking for cost savings on the East Coast.
Eligibility for Delaware reality TV production tax incentives is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Delaware Film Office, and the program’s overall annual funding cap is $1,000,000.
For smaller-scale productions seeking a streamlined process, Delaware may be a good fit.
With its competitive film tax credit program, Georgia is one of the most sought-after locations for film and television, and reality TV is no exception.
The Peach State offers a 20%–30% transferable film tax credit for productions that meet the $500,000 minimum spend requirement.
In order to maximize Georgia reality TV production tax incentives and qualify for the 30% credit, projects must:
For a full breakdown of Georgia’s film tax credit program, check out our comprehensive guide.
Hawaii’s tropical landscapes, vibrant culture, and strong production incentives make it an attractive option for reality TV, particularly shows centered around travel and island living.
The state offers a 22%–27% fully refundable tax credit for productions spending at least $100,000 on the islands of Hawaii. The exact credit percentage depends on where your production films:
For a deeper dive into Hawaii reality TV production tax incentives, check out our Hawaii film incentive guide.
Illinois recently expanded its 30%–40% transferable film tax credit program to include unscripted and reality TV productions.
To qualify for Illinois reality TV production tax incentives, projects that are 30 minutes or longer must spend at least $100,000 in the state.
Productions under 30 minutes—say a reality TV pilot—can also qualify by spending at least $50,000 in-state.
It’s worth calling out that compensation paid to the host of a reality show is not an eligible production expense in Illinois and these payments would not count toward a production’s overall Illinois film tax credit award.
Certain projects—including news shows, sports broadcasts, and corporate training videos—are also ineligible for production incentives in Illinois.
Known for its rolling bluegrass hills and Southern hospitality, Kentucky offers reality productions versatile backdrops and strong financial incentives.
Kentucky boasts a 30%–35% refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $250,000 in the commonwealth.
For Kentucky-based production companies, the minimum spend threshold is even lower—just $125,000—provided that the company either maintains its principal place of business in Kentucky or has at least 50% of its property and payroll located in the state.
Each project is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so it can be worthwhile to engage with the Kentucky Film Office early in the planning process if you’re considering Kentucky reality TV production tax incentives.
Louisiana has long been a powerhouse in film and television production, and its incentive program extends to reality TV as well.
Louisiana’s Motion Picture Production Tax Credit provides a 25%–45% partially refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $300,000 in-state.
Louisiana is made even more appealing by the availability of additional regional incentives in places such as Jefferson Parish, Shreveport, and St. Bernard Parish. These local incentives can help productions maximize their savings.
For a more in-depth look at Louisiana reality TV production tax incentives, check out our breakdown of the program here.
For reality TV productions looking to capture rugged coastal landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and pristine wilderness, Maine has both stunning visuals and financial perks.
Maine offers a 5%–12% incentive through a combination of a tax credit and a rebate available to productions that spend at least $75,000 in-state.
While Maine reality TV production tax incentives aren’t as sizable as some others, the state provides a cost-effective option for productions seeking scenic backdrops at a lower overall budget.
Massachusetts offers a 25% partially refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $50,000 in the commonwealth over a consecutive 12-month period.
For reality TV series, multiple episodes can be aggregated within a 12-month window to meet the spending threshold, making Massachusetts reality TV production tax incentives even more accessible for ongoing productions.
With a diverse range of urban and rural settings, Massachusetts remains a top choice for productions looking to capitalize on New England’s aesthetic.
With a growing production infrastructure and low cost of living, Mississippi can be a budget-friendly destination for reality TV productions looking to maximize their filming dollars.
Mississippi offers a 25%–40% film tax rebate to reality TV productions that spend at least $50,000 in the state.
For a full breakdown of Mississippi reality TV production tax incentives, check out our guide to Mississippi’s film rebate here.
Missouri’s recently revamped 20%–42% transferable film tax credit makes the Show-Me State an increasingly attractive destination for reality TV production.
To maximize Missouri reality TV production tax incentives, productions can take advantage of Missouri’s stackable bonuses, including
From St. Louis and Kansas City to the scenic Ozarks, Missouri’s varied landscapes offer unique backdrops for a wide range of reality programming.
With its unique mix of bustling urban centers, picturesque shorelines, and diverse suburban settings, New Jersey offers compelling incentives for reality TV productions.
New Jersey provides a 30%–37% transferable tax credit for productions that spend at least $1 million within the state.
In order to qualify for New Jersey reality TV production tax incentives productions must shoot at least 60% of the project in the state, meet that minimum spend requirement of $1 million, and have a minimum six-episode order on a linear broadcast network or streamer.
For a complete overview of New Jersey's reality TV production tax incentives, see our detailed guide here.
Nevada is synonymous with glitz, gambling, and high-energy drama—all perfect ingredients for unscripted television. With Nevada film tax credits, your show will never have to gamble on savings.
Nevada’s program offers a transferable film tax credit of 15%–25% for productions that spend at least $500,000 in the state. It’s important to also note that below-the-line nonresidents do not qualify for Nevada reality TV production tax incentives.
To qualify for the credit, at least 60% of the production budget, including pre-production, production, and post-production, must be incurred in Nevada as qualified direct production expenditures.
If all post-production will be completed outside of Nevada, however, then post-production expenditures can be withheld from the 60% calculation.
Nevada’s unscripted incentives are particularly appealing to many game shows. What else would you expect from the country’s gaming capital.
New Mexico’s desert landscapes and robust local crew base make it a premier destination for productions of stripes, including reality TV.
With a 15%–40% refundable tax credit and no minimum spend requirement, New Mexico also offers one of the most attractive film tax incentives in the country.
To maximize New Mexico reality TV production tax incentives and receive the full 40% credit, reality TV productions can take advantage of New Mexico’s stackable incentives, which include:
New Mexico also provides tax credits for standalone post-production work, furthering its appeal to reality TV projects. Standalone post-productions must submit all forms prior to beginning services in New Mexico.
To learn more about New Mexico reality TV production tax incentives, check out this guide to the program.
North Carolina has a strong reputation for hosting competition reality shows, outdoor adventure series, and true-crime docuseries, thanks in part to the state’s production incentive program.
North Carolina offers a 25% grant for reality television productions that spend at least $500,000 per episode (averaged across all episodes for series) in the Tar Heel State.
Applications for North Carolina reality TV production tax incentives are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and projects must secure at least 75% of total funding before applying.
For reality TV productions looking to explore the Midwest, Ohio provides both big-city energy and small-town authenticity.
Ohio’s 30% refundable tax credit is available to productions that spend at least $300,000 in the state.
Ohio reality TV production tax incentives are not first-come, first-served. Instead, credits are awarded by the Ohio Department of Development based on a project’s economic impact, with preference given to productions that provide the most benefit to the state.
Oklahoma offers a 20%–30% cash rebate for reality TV productions that spend at least $25,000 in-state, provided the total budget is at least $50,000.
To qualify, TV productions must meet one of the following criteria:
Oklahoma also provides a standalone post-production rebate with a 20% base credit for post-production services performed in Oklahoma.This incentive is available for projects that were filmed outside of Oklahoma.
Post-production work on a reality TV pilot can receive an additional 2% back (for a total rebate of 22%), and full seasons can earn a 5% bump (for a total rebate of 25%).
Oklahoma reality TV production tax incentives can substantially lower production costs, all while granting access to the state’s wide-open prairies and modern cityscapes.
Pennsylvania’s 25%–30% transferable film tax credit for production comes without a minimum spend requirement, making it accessible for projects of all sizes.
In order to qualify for Pennsylvania reality TV production tax incentives, projects must incur at least 60% of total production expenses—including pre-production, production, and post-production—in the commonwealth.
Puerto Rico offers a 20%–40% transferable tax credit for reality TV production.
In order to qualify for Puerto Rico reality TV production tax incentives, productions must spend at least $50,000 on the island. Credits are awarded based on a project’s economic impact, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Texas’s production incentive program is tiered according to how much a production spends in the Lone Star State.
Reality television projects that spend more than $250,000 but less than $1,000,000 are eligible for a 5% grant. Projects that spend $1,000,000 or more in the state are eligible for a 10% grant.
To qualify for Texas reality TV production tax incentives, 55% of cast and crew combined must be residents of Texas. 60% of the production’s total filming days must be completed in Texas.
Utah offers a 20%–25% credit for productions that spend at least $500,000 in the state, though be aware that compensation paid to nonresidents does not qualify for the credit.
Projects must spend between $500,000 and $999,999 in Utah and hire at least 75% Utah cast and crew—excluding extras—to qualify for Utah reality TV production tax incentives.
Alternatively, projects can qualify without the cast and crew requirement by spending over $1,000,000 in the state.
Finally, smaller projects spending between $100,000 and $500,000 can qualify for a 20% cash rebate through the Community Film Incentive Program as long as a director, writer, or producer is a Utah resident, and at least 85% of the cast and crew are Utah residents earning at least $100 per day.
Known for its mountainous terrain and rustic settings, West Virginia is perfect for productions looking for a rugged, natural aesthetic.
Productions that spend at least $50,000 in West Virginia can receive a 27% transferable tax credit, with an additional 4% bump for shows that hire 10 or more state residents full time.
West Virginia also extends its film tax credit to standalone post-production projects that meet the minimum spend requirement.
West Virginia reality TV production tax incentives are not first-come, first-served and projects must submit a written proposal in order to be considered for the program.
For reality TV producers, finding the right state with strong incentives can be a game-changer. Whether you're filming in bustling cities, scenic landscapes, or small-town America, choosing a state with generous tax credits or rebates can significantly reduce production costs.
As you continue to explore reality incentives, be sure to visit Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on every program in the U.S. When you’re ready to apply, reach out for dedicated help from Wrapbook’s knowledgeable incentive experts.
Scripted films and television series have long leveraged state production incentives to stretch their budgets. But what about reality TV?
Unscripted productions—from competition shows to docuseries—can also take advantage of state tax incentives, rebates, and grants to maximize savings and keep production costs in check.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top states offering production incentives for reality TV. We’ll break down how these programs work and how your show can qualify so you can determine the best location for your next unscripted hit.
Before we explore state-specific incentive programs, let’s talk about Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center, your go-to resource for comprehensive and definitive information about production incentives all across the country.
With this easy-to-use interactive database, Wrapbook provides state-by-state insights into incentives offered across the U.S., ensuring your production team has access to the most complete and up-to-date information.
Whether you’re looking to compare incentives offered by different states to determine the best fit for your production, or want to brush up on the qualification criteria for a specific program, Wrapbook’s resources make it easier than ever to navigate the incentive landscape.
