How could BBC Studios' search for a California tax credit affect the State of California?
California's tax credit system may see new activity as BBC Studios seeks funding The State of California is currently considering a tax credit application filed by BBC Studios to facilitate the move of ABC production to the state. This move is supported by the California Film & Television Jobs Act, which expanded the tax credits system to include unscripted shows. If approved, the credit allocation would utilize the state's existing financial mechanisms for film production, potentially influencing the state's budget and economic development goals for the entertainment sector.
- Effect
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- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Within weeks
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How it reaches State of California
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BBC Studios is seeking a California tax credit to move the production of the ABC summer hit, *Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro*, to Los Angeles. The company filed the paperwork and is in Phase 2 of the application process. The show's first season was filmed in Brisbane, Australia, where it employed around 110 local cast and crew and contributed an estimated A$7.
The full event1independent outlet -
The California Film & Television Jobs Act, known as California Assembly Bill 1138, expanded the tax credits system to include unscripted shows for the first time. The California Film Commission states that 15% of the tax credit budget is allocated specifically to relocating television series.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- deadline.com Thursday
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government of the U.S. state of California
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- BBC Studios is seeking a California tax credit to facilitate the move of ABC production.deadline.com
- The California Film & Television Jobs Act was signed into law in 2025 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.deadline.com
- The California Film Commission states that 15% of the tax credit budget is allocated to relocating television series.deadline.com
- The credit approval allocation date for the next round of funding is believed to be November 16.deadline.com
Why it matters
The tax credit system is a key tool for the State of California to attract and retain major media production, which is vital for the state's economic health and job market. The expansion of this system to include unscripted shows, as done by the California Film & Television Jobs Act, signals a strategic effort by the state to remain competitive against other production hubs.
This move comes as the state seeks to support the local production community, which has seen other large-budget series move out of Los Angeles to cut costs. The success or failure of this application will provide insight into the state's current appetite for attracting high-profile, large-scale competition shows.
What we don't know yet
- Will the State of California approve the tax credit application for BBC Studios?
- How will the approval of this credit impact the overall allocation of the state's film production budget?
What would change this answer
Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
- KGO-TVPossibleABC production shift to California may change KGO-TV's operational focus
- The Walt Disney CompanyPossibleDisney's ABC production shift may alter content creation costs and structure
- NBCPossibleABC's move to California may strengthen its competitive edge over rivals
- HollywoodPossibleTax credit move could boost Hollywood's production community
Reporting
- deadline.comThursday
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