Greater Los Angeles Production Surges 6.2% in Q4 2024 Amid Devastating Wildfires and Tax Credit Expansion
LOS ANGELES – Film and television production in the Greater Los Angeles area experienced a notable uptick in the final quarter of 2024, recording a 6.2% increase according to the latest report from FilmLA, the official film office of the region. The growth spans most production categories except for reality TV, which continues a downward trend. Despite the positive fourth-quarter figures, industry officials caution that filming activity remains vulnerable to regional challenges, including this year’s devastating wildfires and an evolving economic landscape.
Wildfires Cause Major Disruptions
As production numbers were climbing, catastrophic wildfires scorched large swaths of Los Angeles County. Flames destroyed thousands of buildings and forced the evacuation of entire neighborhoods, with over 15,000 acres burned in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and 10,000 acres in Altadena. The estimated cost of damage currently stands at $250 billion and continues to rise.
Production in affected areas came to a near halt during the height of the fires. According to Phillip Sokoloski, FilmLA’s VP of integrated communications, weekly data showed that on-location shooting days dropped to 50% of last year’s levels, and permit applications saw an 80% decline. Sokoloski noted that many producers chose to relocate to studio lots, which offer controlled environments, as opposed to filming on-location in or near evacuation zones.
“I think filmmakers understand and respect that the firefighters need room to do their work,” Sokoloski said. “The permits that we are coordinating now are for areas outside of those places.”
Remarks from FilmLA Leadership
Amid both the production upswing and the tragedy of the wildfires, FilmLA President Paul Audley emphasized the importance of supporting the local industry during difficult times.
“As we await signs of continuing business growth in 2025, it is important 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,” Audley said. “Many who participate in the region’s entertainment economy are directly affected by this tragedy; and many places beloved by nationwide audiences may never return to the screen.”
Tax Credit Expansion and Its Impact
Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom called for an expansion of the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program from $330 million to $750 million per year. This substantial increase is widely seen as a catalyst for attracting and retaining productions in California, with the Golden State aiming to maintain its status as a global filming destination.
FilmLA’s report shows that the tax credit played a key role in sustaining the 82.4% rise in feature film production in the fourth quarter. Tax-credit-supported shoots accounted for 19.2% of feature production and 19.5% of on-location TV drama production during this period.
Breakdown of Production Categories
• Reality TV: Despite the general upswing, reality TV continues to decline, logging 774 shoot days in Q4, down 45.7% from the same period in 2023. The category also finished the year 45.9% lower than last year and 43.1% below its five-year average.
• Feature Films: Q4 shoot days jumped to 589, an 82.4% increase over 2023’s figures. Annual feature production rose 18.8%, though still lags 27.6% behind the five-year average.
• Scripted TV Dramas: On-location shooting rebounded to 528 shoot days in Q4, more than doubling last year’s strike-affected levels. Nonetheless, the category remains 36.6% below its five-year average.
• Commercials: Q4 saw a modest uptick of 2.3%, while annual totals were slightly down by 1.7% compared to 2023, marking a 33.3% drop from the five-year average.
• Other Productions: Encompassing smaller-scale projects like music videos, documentaries, and student films, this category rose 6.1% in Q4 to 2,912 shoot days. Annual figures remained comparable to 2023 at 10,154 shoot days.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Overall, annual production finished 5.6% below 2023 levels, making 2024 the second least productive year in FilmLA’s recorded history—trailing only 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted operations. Yet, industry leaders see cause for optimism as 2025 approaches.
Sokoloski noted that the city remains open for business. “We want to work with you. We will find a way to help you access locations of your choice, and we offer a very quick turnaround for when you’re ready to get back to work,” he said.
With fires largely contained, an expanded tax credit on the horizon, and the industry rallying to support those affected by the devastation, many believe that a more stable production environment could emerge in 2025. Filmmakers, studios, and local authorities alike will be watching closely to see if Los Angeles can solidify its position as a premier global filming location amid ongoing recovery efforts.
For more information on the latest production data and how to apply for filming permits, visit FilmLA’s official website.
