Josh Hutcherson and Rachel Sennott in HBO’s ‘I Love LA’ Kenny Laubbacher/HBO Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery led the way in the latest round of tax credits granted to productions by California’s film office.
Production entities owned by Disney nabbed a combined $128.8 million, barely besting companies under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella ($127.9 million), the California Film Commission said Wednesday. Combined, they will shoot 11 shows in the state, hire roughly 2,650 crew members and spend an estimated $695 million (excluding above-the-line costs).
Disney’s 20th Century Studios was awarded nearly $94 million in tax credits for four untitled shows, including one that will relocate from another state ($48 million). It also covers Family Guy spinoff Stewie, which got a two-season order and takes advantage of California’s recent changes to the tax credit program expanding the eligible categories of productions.
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“California’s creative economy isn’t just part of who we are — it helps power this state forward,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement. “From the folks on the soundstage to the people designing the sets, these are jobs that anchor communities. I’m pleased to expand this award to animated and competition shows, helping advance the strongest entertainment economy in the nation and bringing even more good-paying jobs to California.”
Other than 20th Century titles, Giant from WBD’s Cooler Water Productions was selected to receive the most in credits ($38.3 million), with The Pitt ($24.2 million) close behind. Other productions made by WBD subsidiaries that will get incentives to shoot in California include How to Survive Without Me ($21 million), I Love LA ($15.2 million), I Suck at Girls ($8.2 million) and Rooster ($21 million).
“We’re thrilled to produce The Pitt right here in California, a state where so many of our cast and crew call home,” said executive producers John Wells and Noah Wyle in a statement. “Being able to produce the show on the Warner Bros. Lot in Burbank, with over 300 cast and production members working every day, underscores the value of the California production incentive program.”
Dan Harmon, creator of President Curtis, stressed that the film and TV tax credit program allowed the animated series ($3 million) to be made in the state. The subsidies “allow us to prevent outsourcing and hire more Los Angeles-based talent,” he said.
Also included in this allotment of incentives: SCHOOLED!, the first competition show that will get subsidies to shoot in California. “Huge shoutout to the California Film Commission for helping make SCHOOLED! possible right here in my home state of California,” said creator Mark Rober in a statement.
In total, the 16 TV shows will generate roughly $871 million in qualified in-state spending, including $489 million in wages to thousands of workers, according to the film commission.
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