Animation Takes Greater Share of California Film Incentive as $71 Million Goes to Four Films Including ‘Donkey’

Animation is taking a larger share of the California film incentive, as the state announced Tuesday that $71 million would go to four animated features.

The state expanded its production incentive to $750 million a year in 2025, while also opening up the program to animated films and TV shows.

“Donkey,” the spinoff of the “Shrek” series, will claim $19.2 million, while Disney’s “Hexed” will collect another $18.5 million. Two other untitled features, one each from DreamWorks and Pixar, account for the other $34 million.

That adds up to 59% of the $122 million awarded to major studios by the California Film Commission in the latest round. Two live-action films made up the balance: $42 million for an untitled big-budget production from Warner Bros. and $8.2 million for an untitled comedy from 20th Century Studios.

An additional $65 million was given to independent films, including “Gingerbread Men,” from Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity, which collected $7 million. This is the fourth film Affleck’s company has shot in California with state backing.