More than 250 movie projects have applied for state tax credits in the first round of film applications since the state boosted the amount of available credits, a move aimed at curbing runaway production.

The California Film Commission today announced that 254 movie projects have applied for the $55.2 million in tax credits. Of those applications, 32 were for studio films and 222 for independent features. Those selected after further evaluation will be notified next month.

Only a fraction of the applications will be successful. The commission will select films based on criteria including job creation, crew wages and vendor spending.

In a bid to boost various categories of production, the state Legislature last year agreed to triple annual funding to the state’s film and TV tax credit program to $330 million and expanded the incentives program to make large features – those with budgets over $75 million – eligible.

The first round of incentives saw 11 TV projects share in $82 million in funding. Winners in that round included HBO comedy series “Veep” and FX drama “American Horror Story,” which had been filming in other states.

This second round of incentives, for films, sees $48.3 million available for studio films and $6.9 million for independents.

The next application periods start in November for TV projects and January for films.