Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2319 by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank), establishing the California Post-Production Tax Credit program, a targeted incentive to encourage film and television post-production work to remain in California, supporting high-quality jobs, preserving long-standing industry infrastructure, and generating significant economic activity throughout the state.
“This is a big victory in our fight to save California’s entertainment industry, and we’re just getting started,” said Assemblymember Schultz. “This program will literally save jobs here in Los Angeles and across the state, and I’m grateful for Governor Newsom’s support. When California competes, we all win.”
California remains the center of the global film and television industry, but post-production work, including editorial sound, scoring, visual effects, and finishing, is increasingly being performed in other states and countries that offer targeted incentives.
According to data from CVL Economics, California’s post-production sector employs over 12,000 workers at more than 1,800 firms across the state. However, between 2005 and 2025, California lost approximately 1,874 direct jobs in post-production.
“This is a historic day for our members and for the future of post in California,” said Editors Guild National Executive Director Scott George. “The legislature’s bold action and the governor’s signature ensure that California will continue to be a magnet for talent and will continue to export entertainment beloved around the world. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Governor, to Assemblymember Nick Schultz and to all of our champions in the legislature, to the California IATSE Council, and, of course, to our partners in the California Post Alliance.”
Last year, California doubled the California Film and Television Tax Credit, however, current law limits eligibility for the credit primarily to projects that complete principal photography in California. As a result, post-production work is often moved to competing jurisdictions that offer standalone or more flexible incentives for post-production activity. States and countries including New York, New Jersey, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia all offer incentives that allow productions filmed elsewhere to complete post-production locally while still qualifying for tax credits.
“Today marks a historic new chapter for California’s post-production workforce. The signing of AB 2319 recognizes the vital role that behind-the-scenes craftspeople play in California’s creative economy,” said Marielle Abaunza, President of the California Post Alliance. “We’re deeply grateful to Assemblymember Nick Schultz and his entire team for authoring this bill and championing our segment of the industry every step of the way. And what better place to shine a light on our post community than the stage of an organization like the Television Academy – one that celebrates and elevates the craft we’re so proud to be part of. Finally, our sincere gratitude to Governor Newsom who, by establishing California’s First ever standalone post-production tax incentive, has given hope to thousands of post-production workers.”
AB 2319 creates a post-production incentive that allows post-production expenditures incurred in California to be eligible for the tax credit, regardless of where principal photography occurred. By investing in a targeted credit, California can keep high-wage post-production jobs in the state, increase the utilization of our existing post-production facilities and scoring stages, support small businesses and vendors, generate taxable income and economic activity across multiple sectors, and help California compete with other locations offering post-production incentives.
AB 2319 will go into effect on January 1st, 2027. The budget bill passed by the Legislature in August set aside $10 million of startup funding for the post-production tax credit program. The program will be then reflected in future state budgets after the startup period.
