The Battle to Keep Hollywood in Los Angeles: A Fight for Local Film Production
Los Angeles has long been synonymous with the entertainment industry, but in recent years, the city's dominance as the film production capital has faced significant challenges. Rising costs, a lack of incentives, and stiff competition from other states have led to a decline in on-location filming in LA. However, a new initiative led by Mayor Karen Bass and industry professionals aims to bring production back to Hollywood.
The Financial Strain of Filming in Los Angeles
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, a prominent producer known for her work on the “Maze Runner” films and the upcoming “Bruce Springsteen biopic,” has experienced firsthand the financial difficulties of shooting in Los Angeles. Despite the city's rich cinematic history, the cost of filming in LA has become prohibitive for many productions. “We shoot a very short period of time in Los Angeles largely because of the expense to shoot here,” Goldsmith-Vein told IndieWire. “There's just no incentives for us to do it. It makes it very difficult for filmmakers, and so we are shooting in another state.”
New Jersey, for example, has allocated up to $758 million to attract film productions, while California offers less than half that amount in tax credits. This disparity has forced many filmmakers to seek more financially viable locations, contributing to a 12.4% decline in on-location filming in LA compared to the second quarter of 2023 and a 33.4% drop compared to the five-year average, according to FilmLA's analysis.
The Formation of the Entertainment Industry Council
To address these challenges, Mayor Bass launched the Entertainment Industry Council in an effort to develop strategies that will entice productions back to Hollywood. Chaired by Goldsmith-Vein, the council includes industry veterans like filmmaker Jason Reitman, deputy director of the California Film Commission Karla Sayles, and president of FilmLA Paul Audley. This diverse group of professionals aims to put pressure on state lawmakers to increase subsidies and create a more welcoming environment for film production in LA.
“The real issue is the state not subsidizing enough of the costs of filming in Los Angeles,” said Deputy Mayor Rachel Freeman. “We know that other local jurisdictions have robust tax incentive programs, and so I think it's appropriate for us to explore that.”
The Economic Impact of the Film Industry
The film industry is a critical component of Los Angeles' economy, driving billions of dollars annually and providing numerous job opportunities. However, the recent downturn has hit workers hard, with fewer production opportunities available. The council's first meeting on July 17 focused on how the city can be more accommodating to both production and new workers looking to enter the field. “We want to advance below-the-line job creation and diversification of those opportunities here locally,” Freeman said.
Three subcommittees have been formed to tackle specific areas: incentives, city efficiency, and workforce development. These groups will work on strategies to improve the local film industry, with the entire council set to reconvene in October to discuss their progress.
The Role of Studios and State Government
While studios like Netflix and NBCUniversal have representatives on the council, Goldsmith-Vein believes the responsibility for change lies with the state government. “The problem is not theirs to deal with, but rather the state government,” she said, calling it a “Sacramento issue.” The council hopes to lobby for increased tax credits and other incentives that will make LA a more attractive location for film production.
Mayor Bass has already taken steps to support the initiative, issuing an executive directive on August 6 that assigns staff and resources to support local production and streamline film permitting processes. This includes designating a Film Liaison from key departments and reviewing internal processes to make permitting more efficient.
A Hopeful Future for Hollywood
Despite the current challenges, Goldsmith-Vein remains optimistic about the future of film production in Los Angeles. “I don't really see that this is gonna have an endless impact, particularly in Los Angeles,” she said. “What we're really trying to do is grow the industry, and the way to do that is to get a lot of smart people together in a room who are really committed to bringing business back to LA.”
The Entertainment Industry Council represents a concerted effort to revitalize Hollywood and ensure that Los Angeles remains a central hub for film and television production. With a combination of increased incentives, streamlined processes, and a focus on workforce development, the council aims to create a more sustainable and attractive environment for filmmakers. As Mayor Bass stated, “The entertainment industry is core to our economy and it is also core to our city's identity, and City Hall is going to do everything we can to support it.”
By working together, industry professionals and government officials hope to bring Hollywood back to its former glory and ensure that Los Angeles continues to be a beacon for creativity and innovation in the film industry.
