Clueless and The Ascent secure nearly $38 million in tax credits

The California Film Commission has announced that the Clueless series, featuring Alicia Silverstone, and the Viola Davis-led drama The Ascent will receive a combined total of nearly $38 million in tax credits. The Ascent follows the life of a corporate crisis manager. Both productions are set to film in Los Angeles, a move expected to support local job creation and industry activity. This allocation comes as Paramount pursues a $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that has faced significant legal opposition and political scrutiny. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the merger, while Paramount CEO David Ellison continues to navigate complex regulatory hurdles. Analysts suggest that expanding local production and distributing economic benefits across California may be part of Paramount's strategy to demonstrate the merger's regional value. These tax credits are part of a broader state initiative to retain film and television production in California and maintain Los Angeles' status as a global entertainment hub. This report is based on information provided by Deadline.