(The Center Square) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that the first year of the state’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit program is on pace to deliver a record $6.6 billion in economic impact.
But not everyone shares the Democratic governor's enthusiasm, including an economist who sees the tax credits as a "bribe" to make up for California's high taxes. More about that will be discussed later in this story.
In the last fiscal year (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026), Program 4.0, as it is known, has awarded 170 total projects that represent 34,921 cast and crew jobs as well as 212,065 background performers or "extras" in days worked.
The California Film Commission administers Program 4.0. As explained on its website, the $3.75 billion program was given a five-year run with a scheduled end date of June 30, 2030.
But not everyone shares the Democratic governor's enthusiasm, including an economist who sees the tax credits as a "bribe" to make up for California's high taxes. More about that will be discussed later in this story.
In the last fiscal year (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026), Program 4.0, as it is known, has awarded 170 total projects that represent 34,921 cast and crew jobs as well as 212,065 background performers or "extras" in days worked.
The California Film Commission administers Program 4.0. As explained on its website, the $3.75 billion program was given a five-year run with a scheduled end date of June 30, 2030.