Film & TV Production Growth in 2025
By The Up-To-Date Actor, September 12, 2025
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Where the Jobs Are
The cameras are rolling again—and the opportunities for actors are growing right along with them. While many actors believe that Film/TV production is still down, especially after pandemic disruptions and strike slowdowns, recent industry reports show a modest rebound in 2025—with spend and production starts trending upward compared to 2024. With opportunity expanding in new markets, now is the time to position yourself where the work is happening.
The State of Film & TV in 2025
Film and TV production has not only rebounded but surpassed pre-2020 levels in several markets. Streaming platforms continue to expand their content libraries, while traditional networks are investing heavily in scripted programming to compete. The result? More shows, more films, and more casting calls.
- Streaming Growth: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon, and newer players are greenlighting diverse projects in comedy, drama, limited series, and docu-drama formats.
- Network TV Resurgence: Fall 2025 premieres are seeing a surge in episodic orders, especially in procedurals and family comedies.
- International Co-Productions: U.S. and global studios are teaming up more than ever, bringing opportunities to shoot abroad or in multi-national projects.
Key Markets for Actors (Updated for 2025)
Film and TV production is shifting — some markets are slowing down while others are growing faster than ever. Here’s what actors need to know about where the work is happening right now.
New York, NY (and Upstate NY)
New York has doubled down on incentives, making it one of the most competitive states for production. Expanded tax credits, especially for independent films and upstate shoots, are drawing new projects. NYC continues to thrive with prestige dramas, network series, and streaming content — making it a prime market for both union and non-union actors.
New Jersey
A genuine riser: The Garden State is having a breakout year. With a base 30% tax credit plus bonuses, New Jersey is expected to see more than $600 million in production spending in 2025. Netflix has broken ground on a $900 million studio complex at Fort Monmouth, while towns across the state are joining the “Film-Ready” initiative to streamline permitting. For actors, New Jersey is quickly becoming one of the hottest new hubs in the country.
California (Los Angeles & Beyond)
Los Angeles saw a ~22% decline in on-location shoot days in early 2025 compared to the previous year. In response, California has expanded its Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, hoping to lure back projects that fled to other states and countries. The work is still there — especially for episodic TV and commercials — but competition remains fierce.
Canada (Vancouver & Toronto)
Canada is still a top destination for cross-border filming, particularly for streaming series, sci-fi/fantasy projects, and genre features. With strong tax incentives and well-established crews, Vancouver and Toronto remain international hotspots. For U.S.-based actors, local-hire rules may limit direct access, but opportunities exist for dual citizens and co-productions.
Atlanta, GA
Once a powerhouse thanks to Marvel and other studio giants, Atlanta has cooled significantly in 2025. With Marvel moving much of its work to the UK, Georgia’s overall production spend has dropped by nearly half compared to its peak. While local crews and independent projects still keep cameras rolling, the sheer volume of blockbuster work that defined Atlanta’s boom has slowed.
Chicago, IL
Steady and reliable. Chicago remains anchored by Dick Wolf’s ONE CHICAGO franchise (CHICAGO FIRE, MED, P.D.). Independent filmmakers and commercial producers also keep the market active. It’s a strong option for actors in the Midwest, especially those with local-hire availability.
New Mexico & Texas
Growing. Both states continue to attract productions with generous tax incentives and versatile landscapes. New Mexico maintains a 25–30% refundable credit (with uplifts and a $130M annual fund cap) and a strong crew base with a strong reputation for a sci-fi and Western backdrop; Texas continues to attract large-scale productions thanks to diverse locations, competitive incentives, cost savings, and long-term infrastructure investments.
Louisiana
Positioning for a comeback: 2025 reforms (Act 44) give LED more flexibility and lift key caps; qualified productions can access up to 40% in credits, with bonuses for local hiring/VFX and extended program stability.
Kentucky
Leveling up. The state formalized a $75M annual program and created a new Film Office & Leadership Council (SB-1, March 2025). Refundable credits (generally 30–35%) make KY an emerging option—especially for productions seeking fresh locations and savings.
Oklahoma
An emerging contender. Oklahoma offers up to 38% in rebates, with enhancements for filming in rural areas or hiring local crew. The state has been growing steadily thanks to its lower costs and unique landscapes (Western, Native, and small-town backdrops). Several high-profile projects (KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON being a recent anchor) have spotlighted the region, and its film office is actively recruiting productions in 2025.
Massachusetts
Competitive and active, with a long-standing credit that helped fuel a post-pandemic surge (state issued $92.8M in credits for 2023 activity). Some crew note 2024–25 has cooled from the boom highs—but infrastructure and incentives remain strong.
What This Means for Actors
- Rising: New Jersey, New Mexico, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma — boosted by incentives and infrastructure growth.
- Stable/Competitive: New York, Chicago, Canada — steady anchors with consistent output.
- Cooling vs. Peak: Atlanta and California — fewer projects than their boom years, but still significant work.
>> Action step: If you can work as a local hire in NJ/NY/NM/KY/LA/OK (or travel affordably), prioritize these markets this fall. Keep materials up to date and track incentive changes—policy shifts often signal where casting calls will spike next.
How to Stay Ahead
With production growing, competition remains fierce—but opportunity has expanded. To maximize your chances of booking:
- Stay Current: Update your headshots, reels, and resumes so you’re ready when the right audition lands.
- Be Flexible: Many productions hire local talent first—consider secondary markets where you can be a local hire.
- Do Your Homework: Log in to Up-To-Date Actor to research projects currently casting in your market. Create a list of shows filming this fall and match your type to potential roles. Add these projects to your targets to be notified of any changes to the project, casting info, or networking opportunities.
- Don’t wait for representation to bring opportunities—be proactive in submitting and networking.
- Network Smart: Build relationships with casting directors who specialize in episodic TV and streaming content.
- Use Your Tools: Track auditions, follow industry news, and research casting directors with resources like Up-To-Date Actor.
Final Takeaway
The landscape of 2025 is a mix of change and opportunity. While some markets are cooling and many actors still feel the ripple effects of recent slowdowns, the overall trend is one of renewed growth. With production spend and project starts ticking upward, there’s reason for optimism.
The key is adaptability: stay proactive, keep your materials sharp, and be open to where the jobs are shifting. For actors willing to position themselves strategically, 2025 offers not just a recovery—but the chance to get ahead.
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