California Gov. Gavin Newsom is celebrating a major Hollywood milestone: one year since the state supercharged its film and TV tax credit program to $750 million. The message from Sacramento is clear: the state wants productions, payrolls and big studio spending to stay in California.
The latest round of incentives gives Newsom fresh material for that argument. Among the projects tied to the program are an untitled Pixar movie, Disney-backed productions, the Shrek-universe prequel Donkey featuring Eddie Murphy’s beloved animated character, and Ben Affleck’s upcoming project Gingerbread.
California Film and TV Tax Credits Aim to Keep Hollywood Jobs at Home
The expanded California film tax credit program was designed to compete with aggressive production incentives in states such as Georgia, New York and New Mexico, as well as international hubs that have lured studio work away from Los Angeles.
For Newsom, the political pitch is simple: film incentives are not just about red carpets and movie stars. They are about crew jobs, local vendors, soundstage bookings, catering, construction, post-production and the broader entertainment economy that supports thousands of working Californians.
By spotlighting high-profile titles from Disney, Pixar and the DreamWorks-adjacent Shrek franchise orbit, Newsom is framing the tax credit expansion as a win for both Hollywood identity and California’s labor base.
Eddie Murphy’s Donkey, Pixar and Ben Affleck Projects Boost the Program’s Visibility
The inclusion of Donkey is especially eye-catching. Eddie Murphy’s fast-talking character remains one of the most recognizable animated figures of the last two decades, and a prequel focused on him gives the incentive announcement a splashy, fan-friendly hook.
Disney and Pixar’s involvement also matters. Animation projects can carry long production timelines and deep creative workforces, making them valuable targets for state incentive programs. While the untitled Pixar project remains under wraps, its presence on the list gives California another prestige studio title to point to.
Ben Affleck’s Gingerbread adds a live-action star-power element. Affleck has long moved between acting, directing and producing, and any project carrying his name tends to draw industry attention. For California, landing projects with recognizable talent helps sell the argument that the state remains a first-choice production home.
Gavin Newsom Uses Hollywood Incentives as an Economic Talking Point
Newsom’s victory lap arrives as the entertainment industry continues to recover from production slowdowns, labor uncertainty and shifting studio strategies. Streaming-era cost-cutting has changed how companies greenlight projects, and tax incentives now play a major role in where movies and TV shows are made.
California has the history, crews and infrastructure, but it has not always had the most competitive financial package. The larger $750 million program is meant to change that equation, giving studios more reason to keep cameras rolling in-state instead of chasing better rebates elsewhere.
There is also an obvious political layer. Newsom has increasingly positioned himself as a national Democratic figure, and a jobs-focused Hollywood announcement lets him highlight a signature California industry while talking about economic results.
When Will These Movies Be Released or Streamed?
At this stage, the incentive news is about production support, not release plans. The announced projects do not yet have confirmed release dates or official streaming homes. Availability in the US, UK or EU has also not been announced.
Given the companies involved, some projects could eventually land in theaters, on studio-backed streaming platforms, or both. For now, fans waiting for Donkey, the untitled Pixar project or Gingerbread should treat this as a production update rather than a where-to-watch announcement.
What is clear is that California wants those productions — and the money behind them — happening on its turf.
Tags: #CaliforniaFilmTaxCredits #GavinNewsom #Disney #Pixar #HollywoodJobs
About the Author
