The long-awaited Janis Joplin biopic is making progress, as actress Shailene Woodley has secured a $2.49 million tax credit from the California Film Commission, announced on Tuesday. Woodley is set to star in and produce the film.
“I believe Janis would be thrilled, joyfully cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in her colorful Porsche, knowing that her story is creating opportunities and funding for the city and people who meant so much to her,” Woodley stated.
She expressed gratitude for the support from the California Film Commission’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, emphasizing that California is the ideal location to authentically capture a slice of Joplin’s life.
The biopic, produced by Temple Hill, qualifies for nearly $10 million in production expenses, enabling a 30-day shoot in California. Janis Joplin passed away in 1970 at the age of 27, and multiple attempts to create a film about her life have been made over the years, with stars like Amy Adams, Zooey Deschanel, Pink, and Melissa Etheridge once linked to potential roles.
The California Film Commission has allocated a total of $51.6 million in tax credits to 19 various projects this year. This includes retaining the production of the Universal Content Productions’ Suits LA series, which is pivotal to its authenticity, according to showrunner Aaron Korsh.
Other notable projects benefiting from local tax credits include the reboot Community – The Movie, which sees the original cast reunite, and an untitled project from Screen Gems.