City leaders celebrated Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement of awards for television projects, which allowed major television productions like the iconic series Baywatch to officially return to California, with its reboot scheduled to be filmed at the historic Venice Beach lifeguard operations station.

Newsom announced the selection of 17 television projects for the latest round of awards under the California Motion Picture and Television Tax Credit Program, which together will generate an economic impact estimated at $1.2 billion in the state.

“California's creative economy is not only part of our identity, but it drives the progress of this state. From sound engineers to set designers, these are jobs that sustain communities,” said Governor Newsom.

“And when we make smart investments, like our Motion Picture Industry Tax Credit, we retain local talent, support well-paying unionized jobs, and strengthen an industry that defines the California brand.”

He added that he is proud to see Baywatch return to its place: the sun-drenched California coast, creating jobs and boosting the entertainment economy that distinguishes this state.

Together, these three projects will employ nearly 1,000 California actors and crew members, with a total of $116 million allocated for salaries.

These are jobs and economic activity that likely wouldn't have come to California without the recent expansion of this program.

“This is a huge win for the entertainment workforce. For years, we've seen productions leave Los Angeles, and we've all felt the impact,” said Mayor Bass. “So seeing Baywatch, a show that was born in Los Angeles, come back home is more than symbolic. It means real jobs for real people.” Bass said that since day one, his administration has focused on keeping the film, television, and entertainment industry right here at home.“We strengthened incentives for local production, worked with the governor and state leaders to expand tax credits, and streamlined city permitting so our creators and crews can work in the city that makes it best.” He added, “Now, the results are clear: productions are returning, good-paying jobs are growing, and major franchises like Baywatch are choosing Los Angeles because we've made it the smartest, strongest, and most supportive place to film.” She stated that this is how they protect middle-class jobs, support production workers, and keep the entertainment industry in the city where it belongs. Councilwoman Traci Park said that the Baywatch production's decision to remain in the state marks a major victory for the entertainment economy and is a direct result of the television and film tax credit program, a cornerstone of Governor Gavin Newsom's ongoing effort to prevent productions from relocating to other states and countries. Faced with stiff international competition from markets outside of California, which offered very attractive incentives, the series had been pressured to change locations. However, in a coordinated effort by state and local leaders, including Councilwoman Park, Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and the Newsom administration, they succeeded in maintaining the production in Los Angeles.

Entertainment unions, such as IATSE and SAG-AFTRA, also played a critical role, consistently advocating for policies and alliances that would protect workers in the industry in California.

“This is a true victory for the men and women who keep this industry going,” said Councilwoman Park.

Premiering in 1989, Baywatch became one of the most-watched series on the planet, catapulting actors like David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Yasmine Bleeth, and Nicole Eggert to global fame.

The decision to film in Venice, at the same lifeguard station that inspired the original series, returns the franchise to its coastal roots and reaffirms Los Angeles' role as the creative capital of the world.

“At a time when productions have been moving away from California, “The return of Baywatch sends a powerful message: this state remains the birthplace of film and television,” Park added.

“Venice is proud to welcome this production back. save our community,and I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showcasing the beauty and potential of this incredible place.”