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Press release from the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission:

Los Angeles, CA – Humboldt and Del Norte Counties’ Film Commissioner, Cassandra Hesseltine, stood alongside fellow advocates and state leaders at a pivotal press conference in Los Angeles earlier today, celebrating a major milestone for California’s creative economy: the expansion of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of the 2025–2026 state budget on June 27 marks a significant win for the industry, more than doubling the annual funding for the tax credit program from $330 million to $750 million through 2030.

As Vice President of FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide), Hesseltine has been a key voice in the statewide effort to preserve and grow California’s film production landscape. “This is not just a victory for filmmakers…it’s a victory for everyday Californians,” said Hesseltine. “We’ve been fighting to keep jobs, resources, and creative talent in our home state. This expansion ensures that communities like ours in Humboldt and Del Norte will continue to benefit from film production activity that supports our local businesses and economy.”

While speaking with Governor Newsom, Hesseltine expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Redwood Coast. “I thanked the Governor personally because this incentive isn’t just about Hollywood. It’s a lifeline for rural California. It means opportunity, visibility, and real investment in the Redwood Coast.”

She also credits Pro Tempore Senator Mike McGuire for his critical leadership in making the incentive expansion a reality. “Senator McGuire has been a champion for rural regions like ours throughout this process. His deep understanding of both the creative industry and the economic needs of Northern California helped push this across the finish line. We are incredibly grateful for his advocacy.”

Why This Matters to California Communities:

• More Local Jobs: Since 2022, over 17,000 film industry jobs have been lost. The tax credit expansion is designed to reverse that trend.

• Increased Incentives: Productions can now qualify for up to 40% in tax credits when filming in California, especially outside Los Angeles—putting regions like Humboldt and Del Norte front and center.

• Return on Investment: This is a performance-based program: productions must spend in California first. For every $1 invested, $4–$8 returns to the state’s economy.For instance the Paul Thomas Anderson movie last January brought in $2.1 million direct dollars and the impact to our economy was more like $6+ million.

• Statewide Economic Boost: From hotels and restaurants to permit fees and location rentals, the ripple effect of filming benefits small businesses, local governments, and everyday Californians.

While some raise concerns about public spending, the results are clear. This program helps keep productions from leaving for states like Georgia or New York, while ensuring California’s taxpayers see real, measurable returns. “This is about more than movies. It’s about keeping California a cultural and economic leader,” Hesseltine added. “We’re not just filming in California. We’re building futures, creating jobs, and preserving the soul of the state’s creative identity.”

As a long-time advocate for sustainable, locally rooted filmmaking and a proud representative of Northern California’s cinematic treasures, Hesseltine’s presence at the event underscores the importance of ensuring all regions of California benefit from the state’s booming creative economy.

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