2025–26 U.S. Film Incentive Hot Spots: Top 5 States at a Glance

Looking for the ideal place to shoot your next film or TV project? The right location is about more than just scenery—savvy producers maximize savings with the best state film & TV tax credits and local incentives. Below, we break down the five hottest production states for 2025-2026, with a quick-reference guide to popular film tax credit programs and their program highlights.

1. New Jersey: Hollywood on the Hudson

Why shoot in New Jersey? The state boasts a dynamic film incentive program, competitive credits, and proximity to New York City. 

In our Film Production Spotlight on New Jersey, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission’s Jon Crowley said there are essentially five spokes of resources for productions in New Jersey: the variety of locations, a huge experienced workforce, an expanding infrastructure (👋 Netflix’s state-of-the-art production facility in Monmouth), the commission, and, of course, the incentives.

• New Jersey film tax credit: 30%-40% transferable tax credit on qualified expenses (the highest end is for studio partner projects).
• Newark TV production incentive: Qualifying spend applies throughout NJ.
• New Jersey film incentive program: No project cap with more than $100M annually in rolling credits.
• New Jersey transferable film tax credit: Yes, credits are fully transferable, enhancing financial flexibility.
• New Jersey film incentive minimum spend: $1M for films; $2M for digital media productions.

Added benefit: GreenSlate payroll handling fees qualify as an eligible expense under the New Jersey incentive program.

Learn more about the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program.

2. New York: The Empire State of Entertainment

From Manhattan to the Hudson Valley, New York remains a powerhouse for TV and film:

• New York film tax credit: 30% refundable tax credit, with an extra 10% for upstate productions.
• New York film tax credit minimum spend: $1M minimum spend in NYC/Metro area unlocks incentive eligibility. $250K minimum spend in the rest of the state.
• New York film tax credit program: $800M cap annually for large projects; $100M reserved for independents.
• New York transferable film tax credit: No—credits are non-transferable, but highly valuable as refunds.

Added benefit: GreenSlate payroll handling fees qualify as an eligible expense under the New York incentive program.

Learn more about New York State’s Film Tax Credit Program.

3. California: The Home of Hollywood Still Delivers

The golden standard remains shiny, and big-budget TV comes back for the massive incentives. In an effort to lure more productions in 2025, California opened its Tax Credit Program 4.0, increasing the state’s base credit to 35%, and nearly doubled the Film & TV Tax Credit Program cap to $750M.

• California film tax credit: 20%-35% refundable (up to 40% for relocating TV series in year one).
• California film incentive program: $750M/year cap under the current session; competitive entry.
• California transferable film tax credit: Only for independent projects, but this can be a game-changer.
• California film incentive minimum spend: $1M per project or per episode.

Added benefit: GreenSlate payroll handling fees qualify as an eligible expense under the California incentive program.

Learn more about California’s Film Tax Credit Program.

4. Georgia: Southern Hospitality, Hollywood-Style

Georgia is a film industry hub. Here’s why:

• Georgia film tax credit: 20%-30% transferable credit with a base 20% and a 10% uplift for putting Georgia’s logo on-screen.
• Georgia film tax credit minimum spend: Minimum $500,000 spend required—applies statewide.
• Georgia film incentive program: Uncapped, so bring your biggest ideas.

Eligible expenses clarification: Certain payroll handling fees may qualify; however, final determinations rest with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Learn more about Georgia’s Film Tax Credit Program.

Bonus: GreenSlate’s automated Georgia Film Tax Credit reports are built to make compliance fast, accurate, and stress-free.

5. New Mexico: Southwest Scenery, First-Rate Incentives

Major features and streaming hits are flocking to the Land of Enchantment for New Mexico’s stunning open landscapes, relatively low cost of living, and robust incentives program:

• New Mexico film tax credit: 25%-40% refundable (25% base, with uplifts for TV, rural, and more).
• New Mexico film incentive program: $130M annual fund (heading to $160M by 2028)—no project cap.
• New Mexico transferable film tax credit: No—credits are refundable.
• New Mexico film incentive minimum spend: None for features; TV requires $50K per episode for uplifts.

Added benefit: GreenSlate payroll handling fees qualify as an eligible expense under the New Mexico incentive program.

Learn how your production can make the most of filming in New Mexico in our Spotlight on New Mexico blog and learn more about New Mexico’s Film Tax Incentives.

Quick-Reference Table

Q&A: U.S. Film Incentives

We pulled together answers to some of the questions we hear most often—but let’s be real, every project is different. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask! Our incentives specialists love helping productions figure out the best ways to stretch their budget and boost savings.

Q: Which U.S. state has transferable film tax credits?
A: Georgia and New Jersey both offer fully transferable film tax credits. California's are transferable for independents; New York does not.

Q: What’s the minimum spend film incentive for TV in New York?
A: The minimum qualifying spend in the NYC/Metro area is $1M per project.

Q: Are there city-specific TV production incentives within these state programs?
A: TV production incentives typically apply statewide, but minimum spend requirements may differ for cities such as New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Q: Can I sell my New Mexico film tax credit?
A: Yes, New Mexico’s film tax credits are assignable/transferable for third-party purchases.

Q: Do all states require a minimum spend for film incentive eligibility?
A: No, New Mexico does not apply a minimum for feature films, while other states like California, Georgia, and New Jersey do.

Explore More Incentives

See every U.S. state incentive on our interactive GreenSlate Tax Incentives Map.
Or learn more about GreenSlate’s one-stop incentives management services. 

This information in this communication is general in nature, and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice rendered by GreenSlate, LLC. The reader should contact his or her attorney, CPA, or tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.