What could BBC Studios' move to California mean for Hollywood?
Tax credit move could boost Hollywood's production community BBC Studios is seeking a California tax credit to facilitate the move of ABC production, which was previously shot in Brisbane, Australia. If the company secures the credit, the move is expected to be a boon for the L.A. production community. This potential influx of investment comes as the L.A. industry has recently experienced a 13% drop in on-location production and a 40% drop in reality shows during the second quarter of the year. The California Film Commission allocates 15% of the tax credit budget specifically to relocating television series.
- Effect
- Mild positive
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Within weeks
- The story
- No new developments lately
How it reaches Hollywood
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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 move, if successful, is believed to be a boon for the L.A. production community. This potential investment is significant given that on-location production in L.A. was down 13% from the previous year, and reality shows saw a 40% drop in the second quarter of the year.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- deadline.com Thursday
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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 first season of the show was shot in Brisbane, largely in the Thomas Dixon Centre.deadline.com
- The California Film Commission states that 15% of the tax credit budget is allocated to relocating television series.deadline.com
- On-location production in L.A. was down 13% from the previous year, per FilmLA.deadline.com
Why it matters
The L.A. production community is currently facing operational challenges, having seen a 13% drop in on-location production and a 40% drop in reality shows in the second quarter of the year. A successful move by BBC Studios could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and production viability, especially since the California Film & Television Jobs Act expanded tax credits to include unscripted shows for the first time.
This move occurs amid a broader trend of major series relocating to cut costs, such as American Idol moving from L.A. to Georgia. The availability of state-level incentives, like the California tax credit, is a key factor in determining where large-scale competition shows choose to film their next season.
What we don't know yet
- Will BBC Studios officially renew the show for a second season?
- What is the full result of the tax credit approval allocation date of November 16?
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
- State of CaliforniaPossibleCalifornia's tax credit system may see new activity as BBC Studios seeks funding
Reporting
- deadline.comThursday
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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.