DATE: May 22, 2020

CALIFORNIA FILM COMMISSION UPDATE 

The California Film Commission (CFC) looks forward to helping our motion picture community resume its work creating films and television programs that entertain, inform, and inspire people around the world.
 
Thanks to the efforts of California Government Leadership, Legislators and Stakeholders, the next film and TV tax credit program - Program 3.0 - is set to begin July 1, 2020 .  Under normal circumstances, the CFC would hold the initial allocation period in May and issue tax credit allocation letters (CALs) on July 1 st .  However, due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, we have delayed the initial application/allocation periods for Program 3.0 as follows:
 
Application Periods
Recurring and Relocating TV Series: June 22-24
Feature/Independent Films: July 13-15

Credit Allocation Letter Dates
Recurring and Relocating TV Series: July 20
Feature/Independent Films: August 17
 
Please note: The application periods listed above are reduced to 3 days, and each will be followed by a 5-day period during which all documentation must be submitted.  The CFC will not accept any new television projects during the TV application period, as the recurring TV category is oversubscribed.  Recurring TV series will receive credit allocation letters upon submission of pick-up orders.  The above schedule is subject to change due to COVID-19 and approval of Program 3.0 regulations by the Office of Administrative Law.
 
Please visit the "Tax Credit" section on the CFC website for detailed information about Program 3.0.  New features include: additional tax credits for local hire labor; a pilot skills training program to train individuals for careers in the motion picture industry; new bonus point categories to help projects elevate their Jobs Ratio score; and revisions to expenditure classifications which affect wage vs non-wage tagging.   The Program Guidelines,  Qualified Expenditure Chart, and  Tracking Tips have been revised in great detail to explain the requirements of the new program and changes from Program 2.0.  The application portal has also been enhanced to accommodate new requirements under Program 3.0.  Please keep an eye out for a separate production alert regarding a CFC Program 3.0 webinar, application portal tutorial and help guides.
 
We encourage you to review the materials on the CFC website. While our tax credit staff is working remotely, you can email us questions at IncentiveProgram3@film.ca.gov .
 
We look forward to helping you make your next project a success, here in California.
About  the  California Film Commission
  
The California Film Commission (CFC) enhances California's status as the leader in motion picture, television and commercial production.
  
A one-stop office for filmmakers, the Commission supports productions of all sizes and budgets. In addition to managing the Film & Television Tax Credit program, services include an extensive digital location library, free online permitting, low cost use of state properties as shooting locations, and production assistance.
  
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