6 Production-Friendly States to Start Your Film Industry Job Search
Updated November 2nd, 2026.
You made it!
Your final day at film school has been and gone. Now, armed with skills and fueled by knowledge, you’re ready for action.
That’s right, it’s job search time. But there’s a big, wide world of opportunity out there. And you could find yourself thinking: Where do I start?
Here’s the thing, landing your first film job after school is exciting. But it can also feel a little…daunting.
Location choices span the country. Tax incentives can be complex. And then there’s the affordability aspect to consider.
In terms of location, Hollywood has always been the obvious choice. It’s no secret that it’s still the entertainment capital of the US. But now there are other contenders entering the picture. All with vibrant film economies and tax incentives that make them a good fit for recent film graduates, too.
Sure, it’s inspiring to have so much choice. But knowing where to start? That’s the tough part.
Don’t worry – we’ve got you. Here’s our blog post, packed full of information on the best states to start your search.
Let’s take a look.
What Are the Best States to Start a Career in Film?
California, Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, Utah, and New Mexico are among the most production-friendly states to begin a film career, each combining filming locations, tax incentives, and a cost of living worth weighing against the others. California offers the deepest industry network, while the other five pair strong incentives with far lower living costs.
#1 California: The Industry Hub With the Deepest Talent Pool
- LANDSCAPE
Los Angeles is bursting with inspiration in every corner. And the film set options are many: sand dunes, cities and suburbs, countless diverse terrains all within a few hours’ drive. You’ll also have easy access to production lots, gear rentals and crew members!
- TAX INCENTIVES
If you’re filming in California, you could see as much as 20-25% for all crew returned in the form of a tax credit.
- AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
There’s no sugarcoating it: California can be expensive. BUT, you’ll be in the heart of Hollywood, the number-one place to connect and network with top talent.
Famous productions: Pretty Woman, The Artist, Six Feet Under
#2 Georgia: A Booming Production Scene With a Strong Tax Credit
- LANDSCAPE
Atlanta has a booming production scene, set within a huge and diverse landscape. With towering skyscrapers, thick forests and hidden waterfalls, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular choice for filmmakers.
- TAX INCENTIVES
Looking for an enticing incentive? Georgia provides a 20% tax credit for companies that spend $500,000 or more on production and post-production.
- AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
Atlanta makes living on a budget easy. In fact, it has a huge 50% lower cost of living than New York!
Famous productions: Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy
#3 Arizona: Scenic Locations a Short Flight From Hollywood
- LANDSCAPE
The Grand Canyon. Monument Valley. Saguaro National Park.
Between the rugged deserts, red rocks and flowing waterfalls, the breathtaking scenery of Arizona is a natural film location. And another bonus? It’s only a short flight from Hollywood.
- TAX INCENTIVES
The landscape of the film industry in Arizona is changing. There’s a brand-new refundable tax credit scheme on the horizon, set to make it easier for film companies to produce there.
Arizona is now offering $75 million in tax credits in 2023 (increasing to $125 million in 2025).
- AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
The cost of living in Arizona is on par with the national average. Making it much more affordable than other nearby states such as Nevada.
Famous productions: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Thelma and Louise, Tombstone
#4 Louisiana: Varied Landscapes and a Low Cost of Living
- LANDSCAPE
Beautiful natural landscapes, diverse culture and the home of Cajun cooking—Louisiana has a lot to offer.
Which explains why Avenger and New Orleans native actor Anthony Mackie is building a film and television studio on 20 acres of land in the southern city.
- TAX INCENTIVES
All production types are eligible for film tax credits in Louisiana, including video games, reality shows and commercials. It just comes with one condition—that at least 25% of the production budget is spent in Louisiana.
- AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
The cherry on top of Louisiana’s stunning scenery and tempting tax incentives is the low cost of living. Which means your hard-earned dollars will go that little bit further.
Famous film productions: Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years a Slave, Django Unchained
#5 Utah: Incentives and Scenery for Smaller Productions
- LANDSCAPE
Utah’s remarkable scenery has always inspired storytelling. And when you look at the red-rock mountains, desert landscapes and beautiful majesty of the Wasatch Mountains, it’s easy to see why.
- TAX INCENTIVES
Animations, documentaries, films, pilots, scripted television—these are just some of the production types that qualify for tax incentives in Utah. And if you have a budget smaller than $500,000? A cash rebate is inon the cards.
- AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
Good news! Utah is one of the most affordable states in the US. With its relatively low prices and high income levels, it’s a compelling choice.
Famous productions: Westworld, Andi Mack, Yellowstone
#6 New Mexico: A Growing Hub Backed by Streaming Investment
- LANDSCAPE
Albuquerque is home to an array of scenic locations. Alien abductions, apocalypses, westerns—they’ve all happened here. And with sunshine for more than 300 days of the year, filming is a breeze.
Netflix in Your Neighborhood also launched in 2022 to attract more visitors, fresh talent and production opportunities.
- TAX INCENTIVES
New Mexico offers a 25% tax credit for all crew (and for all production types).
- AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
New Mexico’s cost of living is on the cheaper side. In fact, it’s 11.6% lower than the US average.
Famous productions: Breaking Bad, The Avengers, Thor
How Do You Choose the Right State for Your Film Career?
Choosing the right state comes down to balancing three things: how much production work is actually happening there, how far your money goes, and which locations fit the stories you want to tell. The deepest network is in California, but the strongest value often lies in the states building their film economies around generous incentives.
Build the Skills to Work Anywhere in Film
Wherever you decide to plant your flag, the states on this list all want the same thing: people who know how to make great films. That is what The Los Angeles Film School is here to teach. Our Film programs let you specialize in the path that fits you, whether that is the hands-on craft of Film Production or the business and leadership side of Producing. Prefer to learn from wherever you already are? Our Digital Filmmaking program delivers the same craft online. And if your strength is the story itself, our Writing for Film & TV program builds the scripts that get productions off the ground. Graduates have gone on to work on productions across the country.
Ready to start your film career? Request information about our programs or apply now and build the skills that travel with you to any set.
Frequently Asked Questions: Production-Friendly States to Start Your Film Industry Job Search
What are the best states to start a film career?
Six states stand out as especially production-friendly: California, Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, Utah, and New Mexico. California offers the deepest industry network, while the other five combine strong tax incentives with a lower cost of living. The right choice depends on how much production work is happening there, affordability, and the kinds of locations each state offers.
Which state has the most film production work?
California remains the heart of the film industry, with the most productions, the largest crew base, and the strongest networking opportunities. Georgia has grown into a major production center as well, and New Mexico is rising quickly thanks to significant streaming investment. California offers the most opportunity, but often at the highest cost of living.
How do film tax incentives affect where movies are made?
Tax incentives are one of the biggest factors in where productions choose to film, because credits, rebates, and deductions can significantly reduce a budget. States use them to attract work, which is why places like Georgia and New Mexico have built thriving film economies. Incentive terms change often, so filmmakers should confirm current rules with each state’s film office.
What is the most affordable state for aspiring filmmakers?
Among the states on this list, Louisiana, Utah, and New Mexico tend to offer the lowest cost of living, which lets an early-career budget stretch further. New Mexico’s cost of living sits well below the national average while still offering a growing production scene, making it a strong balance of affordability and opportunity.
Do you have to live in Los Angeles to work in film?
No. While Los Angeles remains the industry’s largest hub, production has spread across many states, and skilled film workers are in demand wherever movies and shows are made. Learning the craft matters more than a zip code, and the same skills travel with you whether you work in Atlanta, Albuquerque, or on a set closer to home.
What skills do you need to work in the film industry?
Film work rewards a blend of technical craft and collaboration: understanding camera, lighting, sound, and editing, along with the ability to work fast on a team under pressure. Producers also need organizational and business skills, and writers need a command of structure and character. Hands-on practice on real projects is the fastest way to build all of it.
How can film school help me start a career in the industry?
Film school gives you hands-on experience, mentorship, and a portfolio before you ever step onto a professional set. At The Los Angeles Film School, programs in Film Production, Producing, Digital Filmmaking, and Writing for Film & TV let you build and specialize in real skills. Graduates have gone on to work on productions across the country.
