• Amazon's 'Fallout' series filmed in California is being highlighted to support $750 million in state tax rebates for film production.
• California film and TV production has declined significantly due to Covid, strikes, and wildfires.
• President Trump initially announced tariffs on foreign films, followed by a proposal by California's Governor Newsom for federal tax credits for US production.

The filming of Amazon's 'Fallout' series in Southern California has become a focal point in the effort to revitalize film and TV production in the state. Producer Jonathan Nolan showcased the production to state lawmakers to demonstrate the economic benefits of keeping production in California. The state is considering $750 million in tax rebates, especially after the industry has seen a sharp decline in recent years due to various factors.

• What: California is attempting to attract film and TV production back to the state through tax rebates, with the Amazon series 'Fallout' serving as a successful example.
• Who: Jonathan Nolan, Amazon Studios, California State Lawmakers, President Trump, Gov. Gavin Newsom.
• When: The events described took place leading up to May 2025. The production decline accelerated over recent years, especially with the Covid pandemic, strikes, and wildfires. Trump's announcement and Newsom's counter-proposal occurred within a week.
• Where: Southern California (where 'Fallout' was filmed), Georgia, New York, and overseas locations that have attracted film production away from California.

The article presents a case for tax rebates as a means to retain and attract film production in California. The success of 'Fallout' demonstrates the potential economic benefits. The piece balances the need for incentives against the backdrop of an industry struggling with various challenges. The political maneuvering between Trump and Newsom adds another layer to the issue, reflecting the complexity of federal and state involvement in the entertainment industry.

Everything you see here, from the sets to the costumes to the props — every single item put in front of camera — has been made by teams of people.

We should not be the only people doing this. It’s crazy. This should be a wake-up call to everyone, all the studios.

California's film and television industry faces a pivotal moment as it strives to retain its dominance amidst increasing global competition and internal challenges. The success of productions like Amazon's 'Fallout,' relocating its second season to California due to tax incentives, highlights the potential of these incentives to attract significant investment and create jobs. However, the state grapples with high costs, labor issues, economic instability, and devastating wildfires, all of which contribute to production declines and the exodus of projects to more financially appealing locations like Georgia, New Mexico, and the UK. While Governor Newsom has proposed increasing the state's film tax credit, some argue that it may not be enough to offset these challenges. The future hinges on California's ability to enhance its incentives, streamline production processes, and address infrastructure vulnerabilities to ensure the entertainment industry remains a vibrant economic force.