Colleen Bell, director of the California Film Commission, will step down from her post in early January, she told The Hollywood Reporter Friday night. Bell said she plans to leave the role at the same time as Gov. Gavin Newsom, signaling a coordinated transition tied to the change in administrations.
What this means for productions and the commission
Bell, a Newsom appointee who has led the commission since 2019, said her immediate focus is on completing ongoing initiatives and preserving momentum behind California's film and television production growth. The Film Commission administers the state's tax credit program and works to retain and attract productions that contribute to local jobs and economic activity.
In her comments on the podcast The Town, Bell told host Matt Belloni that she would not remain in the role if the next governor — a reference to gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra — takes office. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, she described the post as "one of the great privileges of my career" and said she would "finish strong" before the transition.
"I will be transitioning out with Gov. Newsom," Bell said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Background and recent challenges
Bell's tenure encompassed major industry disruptions and policy pressures. The commission worked through the COVID-19 pandemic, the dual industry strikes in 2023, and other shifts that prompted concerns over productions leaving California for other states and countries. Under her direction, the commission supported a range of high-profile productions, including entries from Disney, Apple TV+, Fox, ABC and HBO Max mentioned in reporting about her tenure.
Officials have framed the tax credit program as a key tool to keep film and television work in California. Bell emphasized continuity in the work ahead and said she looks forward to collaborating with the incoming administration to ensure a "smooth and thoughtful transition." Her departure will require the governor-elect's office to name a successor to oversee the commission and the tax credit program.
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Colleen Bell appointed director of the California Film Commission |
| 2026 (early January) | Bell plans to step down alongside Gov. Newsom |
- Immediate effect: Bell will remain at the commission through the end of the current administration to complete initiatives.
- Next steps: The incoming governor will select a new director to run the Film Commission and oversee the tax credit program.
- Industry impact: The transition comes as California seeks to sustain production volume after pandemic and labor disruptions.
The Hollywood Reporter first published Bell's announcement following her appearance on The Town. Her statement and the details of her planned departure were provided directly to that publication; the Film Commission has been the lead agency managing California's incentives and industry outreach during her tenure.
As the administration change approaches, producers, labor groups and local jurisdictions that rely on production activity will be watching for the new director's priorities and any adjustments to how the tax credit program is administered.
