Los Angeles Filming Rebounds, but Challenges Linger Amid Industry Shifts
Table of Contents
Filming in Los angeles is showing signs of recovery, but the industry is still grappling with historically low production levels. According to the latest report from FilmLA, the city’s film permitting office, the final quarter of 2023 saw a six percent increase in shoot days compared to the previous year, totaling 5,860 days. However, this uptick wasn’t enough to offset the broader decline, as 2023 recorded just 23,480 shoot days—the second-lowest figure since 2020, when the pandemic brought production to a standstill.
The report highlights the combined impact of runaway production,slower-than-expected recovery from industry strikes,and broader industry contraction. Many productions have opted for locations with more generous tax incentives, leaving L.A. struggling to regain its footing.
A Mixed Bag for Production Categories
While the overall numbers are concerning, some sectors showed promising growth. Feature film production surged by 82 percent in the last quarter, reaching 589 shoot days. Analysts attribute this boost to increased activity in independent films.
However, the TV category painted a bleaker picture. Filming for TV dramas rose slightly to 528 shoot days, but this still falls 36.6 percent below the five-year average. Reality TV, once a cornerstone of L.A. production, continued its downward spiral, plummeting by 45.7 percent compared to the same period in 2023. This marked the ninth consecutive quarterly decline for the genre, dragging down the entire TV sector.
The Wildfire Factor
The report did not account for the impact of Los Angeles’ historic wildfires, which could further disrupt production in the short term. FilmLA President Paul Audley emphasized the broader consequences of these events,stating,“Many workers in Hollywood,as well as ancillary industries,have been directly affected by this tragedy.” He added, “many places beloved by nationwide audiences may never return to the screen.”
Audley also underscored the emotional and economic toll of the wildfires, noting, “as we await signs of continuing business growth in 2025, it is meaningful we recognize that no aspect of life in Greater Los Angeles is unaffected by recent fire events and the heartbreaking loss of lives, homes, businesses, and cherished community spaces.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, the recent gains in feature film production offer a glimmer of hope. However,the industry’s recovery remains fragile,with external factors like wildfires and ongoing competition from other filming locations complicating the path forward.
Key Takeaways
| Category | Q4 2023 Shoot Days | Change vs. 2023 | Notes |
|———————–|————————|———————|————————————|
| Feature Films | 589 | +82% | Driven by independent film activity|
| TV Dramas | 528 | +6.5% | Still 36.6% below 5-year average |
| Reality TV | N/A | -45.7% | Ninth consecutive quarterly decline|
| Total Shoot Days | 5,860 | +6% | 2023 total: 23,480 (second lowest) |
as the industry navigates these turbulent times, stakeholders are hopeful that 2025 will bring renewed growth. For now, the focus remains on rebuilding and adapting to the evolving landscape of film and TV production in Los Angeles.
What are your thoughts on the future of filming in L.A.? Share your insights in the comments below.Amid a historic slump in filming activity in Los Angeles, California’s film and TV tax incentive program has taken center stage. Governor Gavin Newsom recently approved a budget proposal that would significantly increase the state’s tax credit cap for the entertainment industry, from $330 million to $750 million annually. This bold move aims to solidify California’s position as a top destination for film and television production, rivaling states like Georgia, which currently offers uncapped incentives.
The proposed expansion, if passed, would make California’s subsidy the most generous among states with capped programs. Georgia remains the only state without a ceiling on its tax credits, making it a formidable competitor. Newsom’s initiative seeks to reverse the decline in local production by attracting big-budget films and diverse independent projects back to the Golden State.
California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has been a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to retain and grow its entertainment industry.Since its inception in 2014, the program has evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. The current $330 million annual allocation, which was a significant increase from the original $100 million, has already proven effective in keeping productions in-state. However, the proposed $750 million cap represents a historic leap, signaling California’s commitment to reclaiming its status as the entertainment capital of the world.
The program’s success hinges on its ability to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. By offering competitive incentives,California aims to not only retain existing productions but also attract new projects that might otherwise go to other states or countries. This strategy is especially crucial as the industry faces increasing competition from global markets.
Below is a summary of key points comparing California’s current and proposed tax credit programs:
| Aspect | Current Program | Proposed Program |
|————————–|———————|———————-|
| annual tax Credit cap | $330 million | $750 million |
| Competitiveness | capped | Capped (most generous) |
| primary Goal | Retain productions | Attract and retain |
| Economic Impact | Job creation | Enhanced economic activity |
Governor Newsom’s proposal is now in the hands of lawmakers, who must decide by June 15 whether to approve it as part of the state’s fiscal year budget.If successful,this expansion could mark a turning point for California’s entertainment industry,ensuring its continued growth and relevance in an increasingly competitive landscape.
For more details on the proposed expansion, visit the official announcement here. to learn about the program’s history and impact, check out this resource.California’s Film Tax Credit Program: A Game-Changer for Hollywood Productions
California’s film industry is poised for a significant boost as Governor Gavin Newsom’s tax credit plan aims to revitalize Hollywood’s production landscape. The success of the program hinges on key changes,including expanding the types of expenditures and production categories eligible for tax credits,as well as increasing the maximum subsidies a single project can receive.
Currently, California stands out as the only major film hub that excludes above-the-line costs—such as salaries for actors, directors, and producers—from qualifying for tax credits. This unique restriction has often been a point of contention for filmmakers. However, the proposed changes could level the playing field, making the state more competitive with other film-friendly locations.
“Several of the productions that shoot in L.A. get tax incentives to shoot in California,” highlighting the program’s existing impact. Yet, industry experts argue that broadening the scope of eligible expenses could attract even more high-profile projects, ensuring California remains a global leader in film production.
Key Changes in the Tax Credit Plan
| Aspect | Current Policy | Proposed Changes |
|———————————|———————————————|——————————————|
| Eligible Expenditures | Limited to below-the-line costs | Expanded to include above-the-line costs |
| Maximum Subsidy per Project | Capped at a fixed amount | Increased to attract larger productions |
| Production Categories | Restricted to specific types of projects | Broadened to include diverse categories |
The proposed adjustments aim to address long-standing challenges faced by filmmakers in California. By allowing above-the-line costs to qualify for tax credits,the state could incentivize more productions to stay local,boosting the economy and creating jobs.
As the film industry evolves, California’s ability to adapt its tax credit program will be crucial. The proposed changes not only aim to retain existing productions but also attract new ones, ensuring the Golden state remains at the forefront of global entertainment.
For filmmakers and industry stakeholders, these updates could mark a turning point. The success of the program will ultimately depend on its implementation and the state’s commitment to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem.
Stay tuned as California’s film tax credit program continues to shape the future of Hollywood.
The future of filming in Los Angeles appears to be at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by both challenges and opportunities. The recent data from filmla highlights a mixed picture: while feature film production is surging, driven by independent projects, the overall industry is still grappling wiht declines in TV production, especially in reality TV, and the lingering effects of industry strikes, runaway production, and broader economic contraction. The historic wildfires add another layer of uncertainty, disrupting not only production schedules but also impacting the lives and livelihoods of those within the industry.
Key Challenges:
- Runaway Production: Many productions are opting for locations with more generous tax incentives, such as Georgia, which offers uncapped credits. This has made it difficult for Los Angeles to retain its status as the entertainment capital.
- Industry Strikes: The recovery from industry strikes has been slower than expected, delaying production schedules and impacting the overall number of shoot days.
- Wildfires: The recent wildfires have caused significant disruption, affecting both production and the broader community, including ancillary industries that support film and TV production.
- Decline in Reality TV: Reality TV, once a cornerstone of L.A. production,has seen a dramatic decline,marking its ninth consecutive quarterly drop.
Opportunities:
- Tax Incentive Expansion: Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to increase California’s film and TV tax credit cap from $330 million to $750 million annually is a significant step. If approved,this coudl make California the most competitive among states with capped programs,attracting both big-budget films and independent projects.
- feature Film Growth: The 82% surge in feature film production, particularly in independent films, offers a glimmer of hope and suggests a potential avenue for growth and innovation.
- Rebuilding and Adaptation: The focus on rebuilding after the wildfires and adapting to the evolving landscape presents an opportunity for the industry to innovate and find new ways to thrive.
Looking Ahead:
The industry’s recovery remains fragile, but the proposed tax credit expansion could be a game-changer. If it passes, it could help bring productions back to California, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. However, the industry must also navigate ongoing challenges such as competition from other states and global markets, the aftermath of the wildfires, and the need to address structural issues within the TV sector, particularly in reality TV.
Conclusion:
While the path forward is uncertain, there are reasons for cautious optimism.The proposed tax credit expansion, combined with the recent gains in feature film production, suggests that Los Angeles could reclaim its footing as a leading destination for film and TV production. However, this will require sustained efforts to address the underlying challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Stakeholders must remain adaptable and forward-thinking to navigate these turbulent times and ensure the long-term growth and relevance of the entertainment industry in los Angeles.
What are yoru thoughts on the future of filming in L.A.? Share your insights in the comments below!
