A record number of film and TV show producers have applied for a piece of the $100 million in tax credits allotted annually to productions filming in the state, the California Film Commission announced Tuesday.

Applications were filed Monday. The number rose 31 percent to 497 compared with last year. Twenty-three projects were initially selected in a lottery to receive tax credits. The other projects were placed on a waiting list and will have another chance at credits if a production withdraws. The names of the chosen productions will be released July 1.

The increased interest comes along with recent momentum in Sacramento and from the Mayor’s office to expand the current tax credit program beyond $100 million. The program began in 2009 to help stem the outflow of production work to other states and countries.

Amy Lemisch, California Film Commission executive director, said the rise in applications is a sign that filming in California is still the first choice for many producers.

“This year’s dramatic growth in the number of applications reaffirms that California is the preferred choice for projects of all types and sizes,” Lemisch said in statement. “The industry wants to base productions in California, but incentives now drive those decisions.”