The Simpsons Movie 2, Phineas and Ferb, and Untitled DreamWorks Film Receive State Tax Incentives

In a historic development for California’s entertainment industry, animated feature films have become eligible for state tax incentives for the first time, with three major projects receiving credits in the latest round of the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program.

The Walt Disney Company’s “Phineas and Ferb” feature film adaptation, 20th Century Studios’ “The Simpsons Movie 2,” and an untitled DreamWorks Animation production were among the 38 film and television projects awarded tax credits by the California Film Commission on April 23, 2026. This marks the first time animated feature films have qualified for the state’s production incentive program since its expansion to include animation.

According to the California Film Commission, the 38 selected projects are expected to generate nearly $800 million in economic activity throughout the state, employ more than 5,300 cast and crew members, and utilize over 20,800 background actors. The productions will involve 1,019 total shoot days, with more than 45 percent of filming scheduled to occur outside the Southern California region.

Specific funding details were disclosed for two of the animated projects: “Phineas and Ferb” received $3.5 million in tax credits, while “The Simpsons Movie 2” was awarded $21 million. The untitled DreamWorks Animation film’s credit amount was not specified in the available reports.

Colleen Bell, director of the California Film Commission, emphasized the program’s broader economic impact, stating that the initiative creates good-paying jobs and supports local businesses while strengthening California’s creative economy across diverse regions of the state.

The announcement came as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s initiative to maintain California’s position as a global entertainment leader. The expanded incentive program now includes not only traditional film and television productions but also animated features, independent films, and big-budget projects, reflecting a broader strategy to retain production within the state amid increasing competition from other jurisdictions offering similar incentives.

Other notable projects receiving credits in this round include productions from Paramount Pictures, Gloria Sanchez Productions, and projects featuring talent such as Will Ferrell and Laverne Cox. The state’s film office maintains a public list of all approved projects detailing credit amounts, in-state filming days, job creation estimates, and projected economic impact for each recipient.