California Governor Gavin Newsom says expanded film and television tax incentives are helping to bring production back to Hollywood, after years in which projects have moved to other US states and countries offering cheaper costs or more generous support. Industry experts, however, have warned that California may have acted too late to reverse the shift, particularly as the sector faces wider contraction and reduced spending.

The state has increased its annual film-and-TV tax-credit programme from $330 million to $750 million, aiming to make California more competitive and protect jobs linked to production. Critics say incentives alone may not overcome California’s high operating costs, while the slowdown following the writers’ and actors’ strikes has left crews and facilities competing for fewer projects.