California Expands Film Tax Credits as Federal Bill Looms

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new post‑production tax credit and an expansion of the state’s film and television tax credit, adding protections for performers against AI‑generated content. The move follows a bipartisan federal effort to introduce a film‑tax incentive bill in early November, with a goal of passage by December 11, 2026. President Donald Trump has championed the legislation, and Senator Adam Schiff, a former impeachment leader, has expressed support, calling it essential to bring back jobs lost to overseas production. Filmmaker Paul Kampf praised the state’s incentives, noting that 35 projects—including 28 independent films—have already received credits, projected to generate over $1 billion in direct spending. The combined state and potential federal incentives aim to keep American productions—and the jobs they create—within the United States.