California has awarded tax credits to 41 film projects, including nearly three dozen independent movies and major productions from Walt Disney Company and Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation. This marks the final round of film tax credit allocations for the year, according to the California Film Commission.
Among the recipients are 35 independent films, the majority of which have budgets under $10 million. Notably, Ben Affleck’s production company, Artists Equity, secured a $7 million tax credit for its indie film "Gingerbread Men," which has a budget exceeding $10 million. Artists Equity had previously benefited from state subsidies for the 2012 political thriller "Argo" and the upcoming 2025 release "The Accountant 2."
In the major studio category, DreamWorks Animation was awarded a $19.2 million tax credit for the “Shrek” spin-off “Donkey,” slated for release in 2028, as well as $7.8 million for an untitled feature. Randy Lake, chief operating officer of DreamWorks Animation, said the incentives will help keep production of two of the studio’s key franchises in California.
Disney received several tax credits: $18.5 million for the original animated film "Hexed," which is scheduled for release in November, and $26.2 million for an untitled Pixar project. Additionally, Disney’s 20th Century Studios was granted an $8.2 million incentive for an untitled live-action comedy. Warner Bros. Pictures secured the largest allotment, with a $42 million tax credit for an untitled live-action film.
Together, the 41 approved productions are projected to generate approximately $1.1 billion in direct spending within California. The projects are expected to provide more than 6,100 jobs for cast and crew members, as well as employ over 13,000 background actors across 993 shooting days.
California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the significance of the program, emphasizing that the expanded tax credit initiatives are helping to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and retain film production within the state. “California has long set the standard for entertainment production, creating good-paying jobs and showcasing the creativity and innovation that define the Golden State,” Newsom said in a statement.
The California Film Commission’s tax credit program has been credited with bolstering the state’s competitive position within the film and television industry, supporting both smaller independent projects and major studio productions.