There’s a new local initiative to make sure Hollywood stays “Hollywood.”
In May, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive directive to support local film and TV jobs by “making it easier for studios and independent producers alike to shoot movies, television shows, and commercials here in Los Angeles.”
How will this new initiative help film production in L.A.?
Some of the changes include plans to make film permits faster and easier to obtain in Los Angeles. According to the announcement from the Mayor’s office, the directive “lowers costs and streamlines city processes for on-location filming and increases access to iconic city locations, including the Central Library, Port of LA, and Griffith Observatory to make the City more friendly and supportive of local filming.”
Mayor Bass also reiterated her support for Governor Newsom’s proposal to significantly expand California’s film tax credit. She urged the state legislature to pass the plan and help California remain competitive with other states and countries offering generous incentives to attract productions.
“Keeping entertainment production in L.A. means keeping good-paying jobs in L.A., and that’s what we are fighting for,” stated Mayor Bass.
Another supporter of this directive, Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, said, “If we want Los Angeles to remain the capital of the global entertainment industry, we need to Keep Hollywood Home.”
Why is this new filming initiative so important?
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Hollywood strike dealt a heavy blow to Hollywood. Film productions across the city were forced to halt, and just as the industry was beginning to recover, the devastating wildfires in January made matters worse. The Eaton, Hughes, and Palisades Fires forced many industry workers to evacuate their homes, and some even lost their homes and businesses entirely.
Even before the fires, Hollywood had been steadily losing film productions to other states and countries offering more attractive tax incentives. The wildfires only accelerated that trend.
Many local professionals say the film industry in Los Angeles has never fully bounced back. Several local businesses related to filming have been forced to permanently close their doors, such as catering companies and a beloved prop warehouse. Faux Library Studio Props supplied countless Hollywood film sets with books, antique furniture, and various other props and decor for over 24 years, but earlier this year, they shut down for good.
Why should film productions stay in L.A.?
Film production has always been lucrative for L.A. since “the average location shoot adds $670,000 and 1,500 jobs a day,” according to the CA Production Coalition. When film production remains in L.A., it boosts every corner of the local economy from restaurants and retail to salons, hotels, and more. Each production creates a ripple effect, supporting countless small businesses and keeping thousands of Angelenos employed.
A “Stay In LA” campaign gained traction at the beginning of this year. Its aim is to boost film production in Los Angeles by advocating for productions to stay in L.A. The campaign was supported by many famous actors, producers, and directors such as, Keanu Reeves, Alison Brie, Bette Midler, and many more A-listers who all signed the petition for the “Stay In LA” campaign.
“Stay in LA” says “there’s no place like home.” And obviously, all Angelenos agree – there’s no place like Los Angeles.