State Tax Credits and Local Advocacy Helped Keep the Iconic Franchise in Los Angeles
Baywatch will return to its original shoreline. The reboot of the globally popular television series has committed to filming at the historic Venice Beach Lifeguard Operations Station, Malibu, and the Fox Studio Lot in Century City, a decision Los Angeles officials say reflects the strength of California’s film and television tax-credit program.
Councilmember Traci Park announced the news on Thursday. Park said, This is a real victory for the men and women who keep this industry running. California’s film tax credits helped us keep an iconic franchise here at home, and that matters — not just symbolically, but for the thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong entertainment economy. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and Supervisor Horvath for a united partnership, and I want to especially thank IATSE and SAG-AFTRA for their relentless advocacy. This win belongs to all of us.”
State incentives, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, were credited with keeping the reboot from relocating to states or countries offering aggressive financial packages.
According to city officials, the series faced significant pressure to move its production elsewhere before state and local leaders coordinated an effort to keep it in Los Angeles. Park, Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and the Governor’s Office all engaged with the production. Entertainment unions — including IATSE and SAG-AFTRA — also played a key role, pressing for policies that protect in-state jobs and encourage long-term production commitments.
The reboot is expected to create several hundred union jobs for crew members and craftspeople, as well as generate new business for shops, restaurants, and hospitality services in Venice and the surrounding Westside. The commitment arrives as FilmLA and industry unions continue to report historically low levels of TV production, including fewer returning series.
“At a time when productions have been drifting out of California, the return of Baywatch sends a strong message: this state is still the home of film and television,” Park added. “Venice is proud to welcome this production back.” Production is anticipated to begin in early 2026.
