California Film Commission | State of California

Film in California

Watch the video to find out why California should be your next film destination.

Welcome to the California Film Commission!

The California Film Commission is your one-stop resource for film, TV, and commercial production across the Golden State. California is home to the entertainment industry … and for good reason. We have the best weather (315 days of sunshine), wildly diverse locations (from 840 miles of coastline to vast desert sand dunes), highly skilled crews and the best production infrastructure.

Our vast array of tools and resources will help you navigate all sorts of production issues, from work permits to on-set safety. Find links and contact info for relevant government agencies, industry associations, guilds and unions, production directories, entertainment job listings and more. Find useful charts for studio zones weather and college locations to name a few.

We look forward to helping you make your next project in California a success!

Message from the Executive Director

Welcome to the California Film Commission

This is a very exciting moment for film and television production in California. This past summer, we launched Program 4.0, our most ambitious and impactful Film & Television Tax Credit expansion to date, and the momentum has been extraordinary. Producers, studios, and storytellers are choosing California not only for our unmatched locations, infrastructure, and workforce, but because California remains the place where creativity and innovation thrive.

In just the first three rounds of Program 4.0, 39 television series and 52 feature film projects have been approved. These productions are either already filming, or deep in prep gearing up for physical production throughout the state. Collectively, they are projected to generate 3,793 filming days and deliver an estimated $3.7 billion in economic activity for California’s economy, supporting thousands of well-paying jobs and the local businesses that depend on this industry.

These results underscore a simple truth: Production starts here. Our world-class talent pool, our forward-thinking policies, and our commitment to maintaining our position as entertainment capital of the world are leading this industry into the future.

Whether you are a filmmaker, location professional, studio executive, or emerging creator, the California Film Commission is here to support your vision. We are proud to be your partner and your advocate as you bring stories to life that entertain, inspire, and reflect the diversity and dynamism of our great state.

Thank you for being part of California’s creative legacy. Together, we will continue to build an industry that is innovative, inclusive, and undeniably world leading.

Sincerely,
Colleen Bell, Director
California Film Commission

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Filmmaker Feedback

“I’m thrilled to be shooting in my home state of California. Not only was I born and raised here, but, as everyone knows, the California Raisins were a major creative influence, which I think will definitely rub off on this production.”

Andy Samberg, Producer & Star
Independent Feature, Palm Springs

“We’re thrilled to shoot the newest ‘Star Trek’ series in Los Angeles, where we can take advantage of California’s terrific crews, amazing range of locations and friendly business climate that welcomes and celebrates filmmakers of all kinds. Thanks to the California Film Commission’s help, we can bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars back to the best production facilities on earth.”

James Duff, Executive Producer
Star Trek Series

“Our ‘Rim of the World’ director McG was determined to film at Mammoth Lakes to feature the wonderful unmolested scenery. In the end, he did just that… and It makes for an epic opening that sets the mood perfectly. The setting in Mono County was exceptional, as were all of the cast and crew members. Most notably, Mammoth Lakes Resorts and the National Forest Service were super helpful, generous and accommodating.”