Calif. Accepting New Production Tax Credit Applications Beginning June 1

The California Film Commission will begin accepting applications on June 1 for the next $100 million round of funding provided by the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which was enacted in 2009 to help curb runaway production.

While applications will be accepted after June 1, the Commission is encouraging projects seeking credits to submit on the first day given the expected demand.

Eligible projects that submit an application after June 1 increase the likelihood that they will be placed on a waiting list. Once on the list, they will be accepted only after credits are freed up by other projects that withdraw from the program due to scheduling delays, casting problems or other production-related issues.

"The Tax Credit Program has proved to be very popular, and we want to ensure that every qualified project has an equal chance to benefit," the commission's executive director Amy Lemisch said.

More than 100 projects have participated in the program to date, including such films as The Social Network, No Strings Attached and the upcoming The Muppet Movie.

"The tax credit program is our best tool for keeping California competitive," Lemisch added. "Projects approved since the program went into effect are responsible for $2.2 billion in direct spending within the state, including $736 million in wages paid to 'below-the-line' crew members."