Takeaways
- LA remains the world’s top filming location despite a major drop in global production volume.
- Nearly 1 in 5 scripted projects released in 2025 were shot in Los Angeles.
- Overall production output has fallen for two straight years due to strikes and streaming cutbacks.
- Georgia, the UK, and New York continue to compete, but LA keeps the largest marketshare.
LA Holds Onto Its Crown as Production Capital of the World
Even as film and TV production slows worldwide, Los Angeles continues to dominate the industry. According to a new FilmLA report, 18.3% of all English-language scripted films and TV series released in 2025 were shot in LA—almost identical to the region’s 18.5% share in 2023.
Out of 857 total scripted releases last year, LA captured more than any other filming region. Its closest competitor, Georgia, accounted for 9.8%, while the UK continued to grow its share from 6.6% to 8.8% thanks to a surge in streaming and cable series.
For actors, background performers, and crew, LA’s sustained lead highlights that—even in a shrinking market—the region remains the epicenter of job opportunities and studio activity.
Why Global Production Is Shrinking
FilmLA’s annual Scripted Content Study reveals a clearer picture of the industry slowdown:
- 1,040 productions in 2022
- 990 in 2023
- 857 in 2024
The steep drop can be partly attributed to the 2023 writers and actors strikes, which halted production for nearly half the year. But even after the strikes ended, studios continued reducing output to manage costs and scale back streaming investments.
FilmLA spokesperson Philip Sokoloski noted:
“There are far fewer film projects being made in Los Angeles than in the recent past. Expanded options for attracting and retaining film jobs… are a critical form of protection for working families.”
California’s Big Push to Bring Production Back
In 2024, California took major steps to reverse the downward trend. Governor Gavin Newsom expanded the state’s film tax credit from $330 million to $750 million, one of the most aggressive incentive packages in the country.
The expanded credit—expected to impact production activity beginning next year—aims to:
- Keep productions from relocating
- Attract new big-budget projects
- Strengthen union jobs
- Support local film workers and businesses
With more states and countries offering lucrative tax breaks, California’s expansion is designed to keep LA competitive and restore its film pipeline.
Production Breakdown: 2023 vs. 2024
FilmLA’s study shows where productions were released from year to year:
Scripted Film & TV Projects by Location
| Region | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 183 | 157 |
| Georgia | 89 | 84 |
| UK | 65 | 75 |
| British Columbia | 94 | 74 |
| New York | 97 | 68 |
| Ontario | 50 | 52 |
| New Jersey | 16 | 20 |
Key Takeaways From the Data
- LA declined slightly but remained #1 worldwide.
- UK saw significant growth, driven by major streamers filming series overseas.
- New York and British Columbia experienced notable declines.
- New Jersey and Ontario posted modest increases.
What’s Being Filmed in LA? A Closer Look at the Trends
While LA maintained its lead, what types of projects were shot in the region changed dramatically:
Down
- Cable TV series: 26 → 11
- Streaming series: 49 → 37
Up
- Theatrical films: 21 → 25
- Streaming movies: 17 → 29
The surge in streaming films and theatrical releases may signal studios refocusing on content that performs well globally—while trimming the number of episodic series they produce.
What This Means for Actors and Creators
For industry professionals navigating a slower production landscape, Los Angeles remains the most reliable market for:
- Casting calls
- Crew jobs
- Union opportunities
- Background work
- Long-term networking and career growth
With California’s expanded tax incentives kicking in and production stabilizing post-strikes, experts expect a rebound beginning in 2025.
Project Casting will continue tracking production shifts so performers, creators, and crew stay informed about where the work is.
