New Jersey and Illinois have seen major gains in film and television production, while California experiences a decline. In the fourth quarter of 2025, California reported a 20 percent decrease in movie and TV projects filming in the state compared to the previous year.
The shift in film and TV production locations highlights changing dynamics in the industry. According to recent data, New Jersey and Illinois are experiencing significant increases in projects, contrasting with California's downturn. Specifically, in the fourth quarter of 2025, California saw a 20 percent year-over-year decrease in the number of movie and TV projects being filmed within the state.
This trend underscores broader challenges for California, long a hub for Hollywood productions, as other states attract more filming activity. The gains in New Jersey and Illinois suggest growing appeal due to various incentives or infrastructure developments, though exact figures for these states were not detailed in the report. The publication date of this information is January 19, 2026, providing a snapshot of late 2025 activity.
Industry observers note that such relocations can impact local economies, jobs, and production costs. While California remains a key player, the 20 percent drop indicates a need for strategic responses to maintain its position.
