Tax Credit Lures Disney Show Back to L.A.

Eleven television projects were selected to receive production tax credits from the state, including a Walt Disney Co.-produced series relocating from Canada. The tax credit recipients announced Monday were among 32 applications filed with the California Film Commission to receive part of the $42 million being allocated in this round of the program. There are five existing television series, two new television series, two pilots, one movie of the week and one relocating series receiving the credits. Based on data provided with the applications, the 11 projects will generate $254 million in direct in-state spending. Among the projects are “Mistresses,” a television series produced by Walt Disney Co., in Burbank, and relocating to the Los Angeles area from Vancouver. It is the fourth television series to relocate to the state due to the tax credit program. “We can’t wait to bring the ‘Mistresses’ series back to California where we have access to the best crews, the best talent and the best of everything we need,” said Disney Senior Vice President of Production Gary French in a prepared statement. “Our goal is to get superior production and financial value for our investment, and we can get both here at home.” Also receiving tax credits is The Asylum, the low-budget production house in Burbank, for the fourth installment in its campy film series, “Sharknado.” “The expanded tax credit program is working exactly as intended,” said California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch in a prepared statement. “It’s making California more competitive for high-impact TV projects that provide long term jobs for cast and crew members, while boosting spending at support vendors and service providers.” In a bid to retain and attract production jobs and economic activity across California, Governor Jerry Brown signed bipartisan legislation in September 2014 to more than triple the size of California’s film and television production incentive, from $100 million to $330 million annually.