California Governor Gavin Newsom has marked the first anniversary of the state's expanded film and television tax credit programme, which was raised to $750 million a year, by hailing it as a success that is bringing production back to California. On the same day, 41 films were awarded a combined $187 million in fresh incentives, including a Ben Affleck project, several Disney and Pixar titles, and DreamWorks' Eddie Murphy-led Shrek spin-off. The announcement matters because it positions the programme — and Newsom, a potential presidential contender — as a driver of jobs and economic activity in Hollywood's home state.

The latest recipients include an untitled Pixar project, which received the largest single award at $26.7 million, Affleck's Gingerbread Men ($7 million), Disney's animated Hexed starring Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones, and DreamWorks' Donkey. Officials estimate the 41 projects will generate $1.1 billion in direct production spending and $145 million in qualified wages, employing over 1,900 cast and crew. Across the full year, Newsom's team says the programme has produced $6.6 billion in economic activity from 170 projects and nearly 35,000 jobs. Affleck and Disney studios chairman Alan Bergman both praised the scheme for keeping work in California.