While it often lives in the imagination, the California film industry is a very real economic powerhouse, generating over $1 billion in direct local spending and contributing nearly $30 billion to the state's GDP in a single year.
Key Takeaways
- In fiscal year 2022-2023, on-location film and TV productions in California spent a total of $1.14 billion directly in the state
- The California film and TV industry contributed $28.9 billion to the state's GDP in 2022 according to MPA reports
- Film and video production in California generated $14.2 billion in total economic output in 2021, including multiplier effects
- In 2022, California employed 215,000 people directly in film and TV production roles
- Los Angeles metro area had 142,100 motion picture jobs in May 2023
- Average annual wage for film directors in CA was $128,450 in 2022
- In 2022-23, California issued 4,200 on-location film permits statewide
- Los Angeles saw 2,800 feature films and TV episodes shot in 2022
- Number of TV series produced in CA: 450 scripted shows in 2022
- Since 2009, CA Film Tax Credit Program allocated $1.7 billion in credits
- Program 3.0 approved 135 projects worth $2.8 billion qualified spend by 2023
- Tax credit rate: up to 25% for qualified in-state spend on features/TV
- California has over 2.5 million sq ft of soundstage space in Southern CA alone as of 2023
- New soundstage developments: 1.2 million sq ft under construction in 2023
- LA's top studio complexes: 40 major facilities with 1.8M sq ft total
California's film industry significantly boosts state jobs and economic growth.
Economic Impact
- In fiscal year 2022-2023, on-location film and TV productions in California spent a total of $1.14 billion directly in the state
- The California film and TV industry contributed $28.9 billion to the state's GDP in 2022 according to MPA reports
- Film and video production in California generated $14.2 billion in total economic output in 2021, including multiplier effects
- In 2022, the industry's local spending on goods and services reached $2.8 billion, supporting downstream economic activity
- California's screen industries accounted for 1.2% of the state's total GDP in 2022
- Post-production spending in California totaled $750 million in 2022 from on-location shoots
- The film industry paid $1.5 billion in local taxes and fees in 2022
- Commercial production spending in CA hit $450 million in 2022-23
- Total qualified spend under Film and TV Tax Credit Program reached $1.2 billion since 2015
- California's film sector induced $8.4 billion in indirect and induced economic activity in 2021
- In 2023, LA County film permits generated $500 million in direct spend
- Statewide hotel spending from productions was $320 million in 2022
- Rental and purchase of equipment contributed $600 million to local economy in 2022
- California's film industry supported 702,000 jobs nationwide but 197,000 in-state in 2022
- VFX and animation added $3.1 billion to CA economy in 2022
- In 2021, total production spend in CA was $7.4 billion pre-tax credits
- Food and catering services from shoots totaled $180 million in 2022-23
- Transportation costs for productions reached $410 million locally in 2022
- The industry's multiplier effect is 2.8x direct spend, per 2022 CFC report
- CA film exports contributed $12.5 billion to trade balance in 2022
- Local workforce payroll was $980 million from on-location in 2022-23
- Construction for soundstages added $250 million in 2022 investments
- Tourism boost from film locations generated $1.1 billion in 2022
- Digital media and streaming production spend: $4.2 billion in CA 2022
- Independent film festivals economic impact: $150 million annually in CA
- Music scoring and recording for films: $120 million spend in 2022
- Wardrobe and costume rentals: $90 million from productions 2022
- Grip and lighting equipment hire: $220 million in 2022-23
- Location scouting and fees: $45 million paid to property owners 2022
- Overall CA screen industry GDP share grew 5% YoY to 1.3% in 2023 est.
Economic Impact Interpretation
While some may see Hollywood as a fantasy land, the $28.9 billion it added to California’s GDP proves its real-world script is written in very serious ink.
Employment Statistics
- In 2022, California employed 215,000 people directly in film and TV production roles
- Los Angeles metro area had 142,100 motion picture jobs in May 2023
- Average annual wage for film directors in CA was $128,450 in 2022
- CA had 18,500 camera operators and cinematographers employed in 2022
- Postproduction workers numbered 25,400 in CA film industry 2023
- Sound engineering technicians: 4,200 jobs in CA 2022 avg wage $82,310
- Film and video editors employed 12,900 in CA May 2023
- Production assistants and grips: over 50,000 seasonal hires annually in CA
- VFX artists and animators: 37,000 employed in CA 2022
- Casting directors: 1,800 jobs in CA 2022 avg wage $72,500
- Location managers: 900 employed statewide 2023
- Stunt performers registered 2,500 in CA SAG-AFTRA 2022
- Set designers and decorators: 8,200 jobs in CA 2022
- Costume designers: 3,400 employed avg wage $68,940 in 2022 CA
- Make-up artists in film/TV: 5,100 jobs CA 2023 wage $85,200 avg
- Above-the-line talent (actors/directors) represented 15% of 215k total jobs
- Below-the-line crew jobs: 180,000 in CA film 2022
- Freelance employment rate: 72% of film workers in CA are independent contractors
- Union membership: 120,000 IATSE/Teamsters in CA entertainment 2023
- Diversity: 28% women in production roles CA film 2022
- Entry-level PA jobs: 20,000 filled annually in LA alone 2022
- Prop makers and fabricators: 4,500 jobs CA 2022
- Script supervisors: 1,200 employed statewide avg wage $76,000 2022
- Transportation coordinators: 2,800 jobs in CA film 2023
- Dialect coaches and ADR specialists: 1,100 niche roles 2022
- Median tenure for film crew: 8.2 years experience avg in CA
- Job growth in post-production: 4.5% YoY in CA 2022-23
- Unemployment rate for CA film workers peaked at 35% in 2020, recovered to 8% by 2023
Employment Statistics Interpretation
Behind the glamorous curtain, California's film industry is a massive, wobbly machine held together by 180,000 underpaid and over-caffeinated crew members working grueling freelance gigs, while a lucky 15% of above-the-line talent grab the spotlight and the stability.
Infrastructure and Studios
- California has over 2.5 million sq ft of soundstage space in Southern CA alone as of 2023
- New soundstage developments: 1.2 million sq ft under construction in 2023
- LA's top studio complexes: 40 major facilities with 1.8M sq ft total
- Backlot acreage in CA: over 1,000 acres available for shoots 2023
- Virtual production stages: 25 LED walls operational in CA by 2023
- Underwater stages: 5 specialized tanks in LA studios 2022
- Green screen studios: 150 facilities statewide with avg 20k sq ft
- VFX houses: 120 companies in Greater LA area 2023
- Post-production facilities: 200+ with DI suites in Hollywood 2022
- Film labs and processing: 8 major color labs operational in CA 2023
- Equipment rental houses: 75 major vendors in LA supplying $500M gear yearly
- Prop warehouses: 50+ with 1M+ items inventory in San Fernando Valley
- Costume rental houses: 35 facilities holding 3M garments in LA
- High-speed rail access for crews: 200 miles of planned infrastructure aiding shoots
- Solar-powered studios: 15 facilities with 100% renewable energy 2023
- Desert locations certified: 20 ranches in Mojave for sci-fi/westerns
- Urban street sets: 12 permanent in LA for period recreations
- Ocean and beach permits issued for 450 shoots annually
- Mountain and forest sites: 30 state parks open for filming 2023
- Historic districts: 15 in SF Bay Area for period dramas
- Airport facilities for aerial shoots: 10 major with drone zones
- Data centers for cloud VFX: 5 hyperscale in CA supporting rendering
- Fiber optic networks: 95% coverage in studio zones for high-bandwidth
- Mobile production units: 200 trucks/trailers available daily in LA
- COVID-compliant stages: all 2.5M sq ft retrofitted by 2022
Infrastructure and Studios Interpretation
While the golden state’s star may have been challenged by newcomers, it has responded not with a whimper but with a blitzkrieg of bricks, LED pixels, and sheer logistical might, boasting enough concrete soundstages to build a small city, more backlot acreage than some sovereign nations, and a weaponized supply chain of prop swords, rented tiaras, and solar-powered stages that could outfit and power a revolution—or at least a very convincing period drama.
Production Volume
- In 2022-23, California issued 4,200 on-location film permits statewide
- Los Angeles saw 2,800 feature films and TV episodes shot in 2022
- Number of TV series produced in CA: 450 scripted shows in 2022
- Streaming originals filmed in CA: 320 titles in 2022 per MPA
- Independent features: 150 shot entirely in CA 2022-23
- Commercial shoots: 1,200 national/international ads filmed in CA 2022
- Days of production for on-location: 12,500 shoot days in 2022-23
- Blockbuster films: 25 major tentpoles shot in CA 2022 budget over $100M each
- Music videos: 850 produced in LA area 2022
- Reality TV episodes: 2,100 filmed in CA 2022
- Animation features: 12 major animated films produced in CA studios 2022
- VFX shots for global films: 1.2 million created by CA firms 2022
- Pilot episodes greenlit for network TV: 65 shot in CA 2022
- Foreign productions in CA: 180 international shoots 2022-23
- Student films and shorts: 5,200 permitted in LA 2022
- Relocated productions from CA: 30% drop to 120 shows moved out 2022
- Soundstage occupancy: 92% average in Southern CA 2022
- New series launches: 240 new TV/streaming seasons started in CA 2022
- Documentary features: 95 premiered from CA shoots 2022
- Game cutscenes and mocap: equivalent to 50 features volume in CA 2022
- Late-night shows episodes: 1,800 taped in CA studios 2022
- Award-nominated films shot in CA: 85% of Oscar best picture nominees 2022
- Digital content creators (YouTube etc.) film production equivalent: 10,000 "episodes" 2022
- Corporate videos and industrials: 3,500 produced in CA 2022
- Post-2023 strike recovery: 1,500 projects restarted in CA Q1 2024
Production Volume Interpretation
Even as streaming reshuffles the deck, California remains the house that always wins, churning out everything from blockbusters to TikTok clips with relentless, award-winning efficiency.
Tax Incentives and Rebates
- Since 2009, CA Film Tax Credit Program allocated $1.7 billion in credits
- Program 3.0 approved 135 projects worth $2.8 billion qualified spend by 2023
- Tax credit rate: up to 25% for qualified in-state spend on features/TV
- Independent film credit: 25% with minimum $1M spend requirement 2023
- Total jobs from tax credit projects: 183,000 since inception
- Average rebate per project: $12.5 million under Program 2.0
- Relocation prevention: tax credits kept 85% of pilots from leaving CA 2022
- Diversity spend requirement: 50% credit uplift for diverse hires since 2020
- VFX-specific credit expansion to 25% in 2023 legislation
- Commercial tax credit pilot: $20 million annual allocation starting 2022
- ROI on tax credits: $7.50 returned per $1 credit per CFC study
- Program 4.0 proposal: $700 million over 5 years budgeted 2023
- Soundstage construction credit: 20-25% for new builds post-2022
- Local hire rebate: additional 5% for 80% CA crew usage
- TV series minimum episode allocation: $330M cap lifted in 2023
- Relieved spend threshold lowered to $10M for series in 2023
- Animation credit inclusion: new 20% rate for qualifying 2024
- Audit compliance rate: 98% of projects fully certified 2022
- Funds recouped via taxes: $1.2B against $1.7B issued since 2009
- Competitiveness vs GA/NM: CA rebates now match 30% effective rate 2023
- Veteran-owned businesses extra credit: 5% uplift pilot 2023
- Post-strike allocation boost: $50M emergency fund 2023
- Transferable credits allowed since 2020 for smaller producers
- Marketing spend inclusion: up to 15% creditable post-2022 rules
- LA County supplemental rebates: $10M annual local fund 2023
Tax Incentives and Rebates Interpretation
California's film tax credit program has clearly learned its lines, turning $1.7 billion in public funding into a blockbuster economic engine that's not only keeping productions from fleeing but is actively directing them toward greater diversity, local hiring, and a remarkably strong $7.50 return on every dollar spent.
Sources & References
- Reference 1FILMfilm.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 2MOTIONPICTURESmotionpictures.orgVisit source
- Reference 3HOLLYWOODREPORTERhollywoodreporter.comVisit source
- Reference 4BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 5LATIMESlatimes.comVisit source
- Reference 6MPAmpa.orgVisit source
- Reference 7FILMfilm.lacounty.govVisit source
- Reference 8SHAREDSCREENLAsharedscreenla.comVisit source
- Reference 9OSCARSoscars.orgVisit source
- Reference 10VARIETYvariety.comVisit source
- Reference 11BEAbea.govVisit source
- Reference 12VISITCALIFORNIAvisitcalifornia.comVisit source
- Reference 13SUNDANCEsundance.orgVisit source
- Reference 14ASCAPascap.comVisit source
- Reference 15IATSEiatse.netVisit source
- Reference 16SAGAFTRAsagaftra.orgVisit source
- Reference 17STAFFMEUPstaffmeup.comVisit source
- Reference 18TEAMSTERteamster.orgVisit source
- Reference 19FILMFREEWAYfilmfreeway.comVisit source
- Reference 20BOXOFFICEMOJOboxofficemojo.comVisit source
- Reference 21BILLBOARDbillboard.comVisit source
- Reference 22ANNIEAWARDSannieawards.orgVisit source
- Reference 23DEADLINEdeadline.comVisit source
- Reference 24IDFAidfa.nlVisit source
- Reference 25NEWZOOnewzoo.comVisit source
- Reference 26SOCIALBLADEsocialblade.comVisit source
- Reference 27FTCftc.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 28LAOlao.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 29LEGINFOleginfo.legislature.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 30STUDIODAILYstudiodaily.comVisit source
- Reference 31POSTPERSPECTIVEpostperspective.comVisit source
- Reference 32IMAGEMEDIAimagemedia.comVisit source
- Reference 33PROPTOPIAproptopia.comVisit source
- Reference 34COSTUMEHISTORYcostumehistory.comVisit source
- Reference 35HSRhsr.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 36PARKSparks.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 37FILMFREESFBAYfilmfreesfbay.orgVisit source
- Reference 38LAWAlawa.orgVisit source
- Reference 39DATACENTERKNOWLEDGEdatacenterknowledge.comVisit source
- Reference 40BROADBANDNOWbroadbandnow.comVisit source