California's revamped tax incentives program is paying off.
The film commission's expanded initiative is wrapping up its second year by announcing that four television series will be relocating to California from other states - a record number for the state. The Affair and The OA will move from New York and Legion and Lucifer will transfer from Vancouver.
Their move to the Golden State brings the total number of TV series that have relocated to California under the new tax credit program to 11. High-profile shows that have moved production to the state in the past two years include Ballers, Veep and American Horror Story.
"We're wrapping up year-two of Program 2.0 on a very high note with a record number of relocating TV series," California Film Commission executive director Amy Lemisch said Friday in a statement. "The tax credit program is working as intended to reaffirm California's status as the preferred choice for film and TV production."
The state's latest allocation round reserves tax credits for 15 projects total, leaving 11 up for grabs once the four relocating series are accounted for. Those other shows that snatched up the credits include HBO's new Alan Ball dramedy Here, Now and Amy Adams starrer Sharp Objects, along with Law & Order: True Crime, Messiah and an untitled Seth MacFarlane project.
In addition, two recurring series - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and forthcoming Snowfall - and four pilots - Behind Enemy Lines, Mayans MC, S.W.A.T. and The Get - qualified for the program.
Of the 15 projects that nabbed tax credits, seven have plans to shoot at least partially outside Los Angeles' 30-Mile Zone - a feat for the film commission, which is always aiming to spread out production.
A total of 25 projects applied for the latest $99.2 million in tax credit allocation. The 15 projects announced Friday will generate an estimated $620 million in direct in-state spending, including $235 million in wages to more than 4,400 crew and castmembers.
Added Lemisch: "The projects announced today further demonstrate Program 2.0's ability to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state."
Read more: L.A. TV Production Spikes 12 Percent Thanks to New Tax Program
