Pixar, Lionsgate and Paramount Nab $100 Million in California Tax Credits

Pixar, Lionsgate and Paramount led the way in the latest round of tax credits granted to productions by California’s film office for shooting in the state.

Combined, the 35 movies that will spend roughly $635.3 million across 1,049 shoot days were awarded $226.1 million. They include 28 independent movies, eight of which have budgets above $10 million.

Pixar took the largest award, receiving $40.1 million for an untitled animated feature, as animated productions continue to emerge as a force in California’s tax credit program.

The jobs ratio used to select productions appears to favor animation since the category is often more labor-intensive than live-action, generating higher below-the-line spending relative to the total production budget. Family Guy spinoff Stewie, Dan Harmon’s President Curtis and four animated titles from Disney, DreamWorks and Pixar, among others, have already been tapped to get subsidies.

Next up, Lionsgate’s Michael 2 (working title), the sequel to the studio’s Michael Jackson biopic, nabbed $30.8 million. with an untitled crime thriller from Paramount coming in third with a $29.3 million award.

Disney was another major recipient for an untitled live-action feature, which got $18 million. Warner Bros. also received $13 million for an untitled comedy, while 20th Century Studios was awarded $12.2 million for an untitled horror film.

“California is the home of entertainment, full stop,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement. “We’re not just protecting that legacy; we’re investing in its future by expanding our film and television tax credit, launching a new post-production credit, and standing up for performers in the age of AI.”

New Line Cinema’s Untitled Friday Sequel, the latest installment to the Ice Cube-led franchise, also received $11.4 million.

“I’m thrilled to produce Untitled Last Friday Sequel right here in Southern California, where our cast and crew lives,” said O’Shea Jackson Sr. in a statement. “This story has been part of the fabric of South Los Angeles since our first film 31 years ago so producing the film here with more than 180 local cast and crew underscores the value of the California production incentive program.

Among the larger awards for independent productions: $7 million for South Beach; $6.7 million for Maniac Cop; $5.8 million for animated feature Shine; and $5.5 million for Jump Off.

“Our film is set in the Chicano communities of Los Angeles, and it simply wouldn’t exist if we couldn’t shoot here,” said Victoria Alonso and Tom Culliver, producers of Leaves of Glass. “We are incredibly excited to showcase a side of Los Angeles rarely seen on camera, and work with the greatest crews in the world. We are deeply grateful to the California Film Commission for making this film possible.”