‘Suits: LA’ Nabs California Tax Credits to Relocate from Vancouver

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As a lifelong resident of California and a dedicated fan of the entertainment industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement as I witness the return of production to our beloved Golden State. The recent announcement that “Suits: LA” will be shooting here after receiving nearly $12 million in tax credits is not only a testament to California’s enduring appeal for filmmakers, but also a much-needed boost for our local economy and workforce.

A program aimed at encouraging film and television production, as well as soundstage building within California, has successfully attracted the show Suits: LA to film in the state, due to its incentives.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the spin-off from the ex-USA Network series now thriving on streaming platforms will receive approximately $12 million in funding due to a program that encourages the building of new sound stages, by the California Film Commission.

Other projects that will get tax credits to film in California include a Janis Joplin biopic, Community – The Movie and Killing Gawker. In all, the 19 titles — three big-budget features, fifteen independent films and a TV series — were granted $51.6 million in incentives. They’re expected to employ 2,768 crew members, 1,086 cast members, and 16,997 background performers over 618 filming days, with the expectation they’ll spend over $284 million in the state.

After a pair of work stoppages by actors and writers last year, which coincided with studios cutting costs to focus on their streaming businesses’ profitability, production recovery has been sluggish. In Los Angeles, there was a double-digit decrease in TV scenes filmed from January to March, with filming in this category falling more than 32% below its five-year average. As filming in the area struggles to pick up pace, other states and countries have been enhancing their tax incentive programs, often with fewer restrictions than California’s, in an effort to lure productions. In June, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill that expanded the state’s tax credit program to cover game shows, talk shows, and reality TV contests, among others. This move was preceded by Japan announcing an incentive plan that reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses in the country.

Originally planning to film outside California, Suits: LA (previously shot in Los Angeles) changed its location following the receipt of credits from a $150 million program enacted in 2021 to build more soundstages due to high demand. This series, produced by Universal Content Productions LLC, is projected to invest $25 million in eligible wages and generate over 2,600 jobs during its 96-day filming period.

Maintaining jobs within California and returning jobs to California has always been a primary focus for us,” stated Colleen Bell, director of the California Film Commission. “Not only are we providing employment opportunities, but we’re also ensuring that significant productions like Suits LA, which were considering filming elsewhere, stay here in Los Angeles where they truly belong. This is vital for our economy and the welfare of our local crew members who make California their home.

Showrunner Aaron Korsh expressed that shooting the show in this location will significantly contribute to its authenticity. He emphasized that moving from Vancouver will create job opportunities for the local cast and crew based in Los Angeles, who have been eagerly seeking work at home.

The biographical movie about Janis Joplin is one of 15 independent films receiving incentives this round of credits. Shailene Woodley will star and co-produce the film, earning a $2.5 million tax credit for approximately $10 million in production costs. Similarly, Artist Equity’s Killing Gawker will receive the same amount for filming within the state. Ben Affleck is considering playing Hulk Hogan in the movie, with Gus Van Sant potentially directing it.

Three key motion pictures set to receive funding through the program are:

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2024-09-10 20:55