Production Incentives for Relocating TV Shows in CA
Secondary Incentives
Hold on set!
Incentive Type:
Qualifying Production Types
Scripted TV
Sunset Date
June 30, 2025
None
Wrapbook's Rule to Remember
Remember this program is for returning TV series that have left CA, filmed elsewhere and then came back. These perks are JUST for the first year of returning.
Basic Incentive Information
- Spend25%
- Above the Line ResidentsN/A
- Above the Line Non-ResidentsN/A
- Below the Line Residents25-30%
- Below the Line Non-Residents25-30%
- Minimum Spend$1,000,000
- Funding Cap$56,100,000
- Project Cap$25,000,000
- Loan Out RegistrationNo
- Loan Out WithholdingNo
- CPA Audit RequiredYes
- Screen Credit RequiredYes
In order to get the maximum return listed in ranges, check out Additional Bonuses.
Project Criteria
A $1,000,000 minimum budget per episode is required as well as the most recent season must have filmed 75% of principal photography outside California (6 Episodes at any episode length).
Credit is reduced to 20% after the first season filmed in California. (see CA base state section).
Returning season must film at least 75% of principal photography days wholly in California OR 75% of the Production Budget must be incurred and used for goods, services and/or wages within California.
Diversity Tracking and Unlawful Harassment Policy is required.
Applicants receiving a Credit Allocation Letter (CAL) are required to make a financial contribution to fund a Pilot Career Pathways Training Program. Approved applicant’s contribution shall be 0.50% of the estimated tax credit allocation, as verified on the CAL. The contribution must be made within 10 business days after the CAL date. All applicants must participate in the career readiness requirement and contribute to a career based learning and training program approved by the CFC.
Contact the film office for more details.
Additional Bonuses
Contact the film office for more details.
How to Apply
Phase I: Eligible productions apply for tax credits.
Phase II: Applications with the highest-ranked jobs ratios submit required documentation.
Phase III: Credit Allocation Letters are issued for approved projects.
Phase IV: Projects with CALs( a received Credit Allocation Letter) enter Phase IV upon the start of principal photography, wrap, post-production, and the audit process.
Phase V: Once the audit process is completed, a “Tax Credit Certificate” is issued Projects that rank in the top 200% will be notified to submit Phase II documents. Job Ration is determined based on a mathematical equation on qualifying wages, qualified non wage expenditures, the expected credit amount and using "bonus points"
Contact the Film office for further details.
Productions must begin principal photography within 180 days of receipt of the CAL (Credit Allocation Letter). Approved projects with a qualified expenditure budget of $100M or more have 240 days to begin filming
Applications must be submitted online during specific allocation periods:.
Application: October 21-23, 2024
Phase II: October 24-28, 2024
Approval Date: November 25, 2024
Applicants receiving a credit allocation letter(CAL) are required to make a financial contribution to fund a Pilot Career Pathways Training Program. Approved applicant’s contribution shall be 0.50%(Indys only at .25%) of the estimated tax credit allocation, as verified on the CAL. The contribution must be made within 10 business days after the CAL date.
All applicants must participate in the career readiness requirement and contribute to a career based learning and training program approved by the CFC.
Contact the film office for more details.
Additional Information
*The Project Cap is a base of $20,000,000 with the possibility of $25,000,000 if uplifts are taken into account
Background performers (extras), stand-ins and off-camera stunt personnel do qualify.
The Qualified Expenditure Charts and Expenditure Tracking Tips are available here.
Contact the film office for more details.
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Disclaimer
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this page 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.