Film and TV production in Los Angeles has taken a significant hit, with a nearly 20% drop in 2023 compared to the previous year. According to FilmLA’s latest analysis, only 183 projects were filmed in the region, a stark contrast to the 990 projects captured nationwide. This dip, marked by a decline across multiple categories including TV shows, theatrical films, and streaming movies, speaks to a broader challenge facing Hollywood: staying competitive in an increasingly globalized and incentive-driven industry.
At the heart of this decline are two major forces—ongoing labor strikes and fierce competition from other regions. The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023 slowed down production as actors and writers took a stand for better pay and protections, including concerns about AI’s impact on their livelihoods. Meanwhile, states like New York and Georgia, along with international hubs like the UK and Ontario, continue to lure productions away with more aggressive tax incentives and investments in infrastructure.
In Los Angeles, total TV output saw a steep 22.8% decline, far exceeding the 18.3% drop in television production nationwide. Streaming movies filmed in L.A. also dropped by 22.7%, underscoring the region’s struggle to retain its position as a top filming destination. Even though the film industry remains a critical part of California’s economy, contributing $43 billion in wages, the state’s share of productions is shrinking. In 2021, California captured nearly 23% of qualified projects, but by 2023, that figure had dropped to 18%. Competing regions now secure four out of every five film and television projects.
What’s particularly troubling is that this decline isn’t unique to L.A.—it’s part of a broader trend affecting many traditional filming hubs. For instance, Georgia, which has been a production powerhouse for years, saw a 35.2% drop in TV series production and a dramatic 47.1% fall in cable series output. Even the UK, often considered a top-tier destination for Hollywood films, saw significant reductions in both streaming and cable series.
Yet, some regions are bucking the trend. New York and Ontario both saw notable increases in TV series production, while Illinois experienced a massive 66.7% growth in streaming movie releases. These successes highlight the critical role that government incentives play in attracting film projects. New York, for instance, offers a tax credit of 30-40% on qualifying productions, significantly more than California’s 20-30% credit, and with a much larger annual funding cap.
In response to these challenges, FilmLA president Paul Audley is calling for a major boost to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program. He argues that without further investment in the state’s entertainment industry, the ripple effects could be devastating. A shrinking production pipeline doesn’t just impact actors and directors—it trickles down to the countless small businesses and workers who support the industry, from caterers to equipment suppliers. Without steady work, these businesses may be forced to close, leading to broader economic hardship for families and communities.
Other regions are pulling ahead by offering better deals. Georgia, for example, has no annual funding cap and provides 20-30% coverage for production costs with a lower minimum spend than California. British Columbia, Ontario, and the UK offer similarly competitive incentives that are drawing filmmakers away from Los Angeles. The message is clear: if California doesn’t step up its game, it risks losing even more ground in the global film production race.
While Hollywood remains an iconic symbol of the film industry, the numbers don’t lie—other regions are fast becoming the new frontiers for film and TV production. If California wants to retain its title as the film capital of the world, it will need to offer more than just sunshine and stars—it must compete where it matters most: incentives, infrastructure, and support for the entire ecosystem.
