‘Space Jam 2’ Among Films Qualifying for Tax Credit

“Space Jam 2” from Warner Bros. Pictures was one of 15 film projects picked to receive state tax credits, the California Film Commission announced Monday. The sequel to the 1996 live action/animation mashup starring basketball great Michael Jordan and a cast of Looney Tunes characters is expected to generate more than $100 million in qualified spending by the Burbank studio. “Space Jam 2” stars Los Angeles Laker LeBron James and is produced by Ryan Coogler. A total of $73.3 million in tax credits will be provided to the 15 film projects, which also includes five that will shoot in other parts of the state – four in San Francisco and one in Palm Springs. Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch said the group that administers the tax credit program is thrilled that it is having such far-reaching benefits. “One of the goals for (the program) is to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state, and we’re beginning to see that happen more often and on a larger scale,” Lemisch said in a statement. Thirty-seven film projects applied for the tax credits, which were given to both independent and major Hollywood studios. Projects were selected based on a jobs ratio score, which ranks each project by wages to below-the-line workers, qualified spending for vendors and other criteria.