Takeaways
- Baywatch, The Night Agent, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Fallout are returning to California.
- 17 TV projects received California film tax credits, generating $1.2 billion in economic impact.
- The latest incentives will employ more than 5,000 cast and crew and nearly 36,000 background actors.
- Los Angeles officials call the move a “game-changing win” for the local creative workforce.
What’s Filming in Los Angeles?
California Brings Back Major TV Shows — Including the Iconic ‘Baywatch’
Los Angeles’ entertainment industry just scored a major win. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Baywatch and 16 other television productions are returning to California through the state’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program. The new awards represent $1.2 billion in statewide economic impact and mark a turning point for local production.
“California’s creative economy isn’t just part of who we are — it helps power this state forward,” Newsom said. He emphasized that the people behind the scenes—from set designers to stage crews—are essential to community jobs and the state’s cultural identity.
A Huge Boost for Local Workers and Background Talent
According to the state, this latest batch of tax credit recipients will support:
- 5,165 cast and crew jobs
- 35,946 background performer workdays
- 1,000 filming days statewide
These numbers push the total economic impact of Program 4.0’s first two TV rounds to more than $2.5 billion.
For actors, extras, and entertainment professionals, this signals a surge in hiring and new opportunities across Los Angeles.
LA Leaders Celebrate the Industry’s Rebound
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the return of Baywatch “more than symbolic,” explaining:
“For years, we’ve watched productions leave LA — and we’ve all felt the impact. Seeing ‘Baywatch’ come home means real jobs for real people.”
Bass and Newsom have spent the past year pushing legislative and operational reforms to keep productions local. Measures include:
- Executive Directive 11 (May 2025): Streamlined on-location filming processes, reduced costs, and expanded access to iconic LA sites.
- Executive Directive 8: Appointed a dedicated film liaison within every relevant city department to support productions.
Steve Kang, the city’s film and TV liaison, called the latest results “a game-changing win” for Los Angeles crew members and creatives.
Which Shows Are Relocating to California?
Several high-profile TV productions are now officially shifting back to California, including:
✔ Baywatch (Reboot / Revival)
Returning to its home turf on the sunny California coast, Baywatch’s production move will support hundreds of local union jobs and showcase LA’s beachfront locations.
✔ The Night Agent
The political thriller series is relocating, supported by tax credits and incentives to keep production domestic.
✔ Mr. and Mrs. Smith
The action-dramedy adaptation joins the list of incoming projects headed to California.
Together, these three shows alone will employ nearly 1,000 local cast and crew members with $116 million in qualified wages.
Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment, praised the joint effort between government and industry leaders to keep California productions thriving.
‘Fallout’ Renewed for Season 3 Production in California
Following its relocation for Season 2, Prime Video’s hit Fallout series is investing even more in California. Season 3 will bring:
- $166.3 million in qualified spending
- $89.5 million in wages
- A 21% increase in spending compared to the prior season
Producer Jonathan Nolan expressed gratitude for the tax credit program:
“We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start.”
What This Means for Actors and Production Crew
This surge in California-based filming is a major win for:
- Actors
- Background performers
- Production assistants
- Crew members
- Casting teams
- Local vendors
With nearly three dozen shows benefiting from tax credits and more relocating every year, LA’s entertainment economy is rapidly expanding.
For job seekers, this translates directly into more casting calls, more set days, and more opportunities across the board.
Stay tuned to Project Casting for updates on casting notices tied to Baywatch, Fallout, The Night Agent, and other returning productions.
