Newsom Signs Bills to Boost California Post-Production Jobs

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills on September 19, 2026, to support the state's entertainment industry, including the creation of California's first standalone tax credit for post-production work. The legislation aims to stem job losses in editing, visual effects, and other behind-the-scenes roles. Assembly Bill 2319, authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, establishes a tax credit of 35% to 50% on qualified post-production expenses incurred in California. Unlike the state's existing film and television tax credit program, productions do not need to film in California to qualify for this incentive. The program is initially funded with $10 million, significantly less than the $100 million originally proposed by supporters. Governor Newsom also signed Senate Bill 186, which modifies the existing film tax credit program. This bill exempts independent productions from the state's corporate tax credit cap and allows studios to accelerate the payback period on refundable tax credits from five years to two years. The measure addresses concerns that recent budget caps could undermine the expanded production incentive program.