Key Takeaways:
- Hollywood Heats Up: Multiple productions are filming in Los Angeles this July, ranging from big-budget studio sequels to indie films, creating a buzz of on-set activity across the city.
- Major Relocations: High-profile projects are relocating to L.A. for production – for example, Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey moved from Florida to California for its second season, aided by a $20 million tax credit. Issa Rae’s hit comedy film One of Them Days is getting a sequel that will shoot in L.A., with the project projected to spend over $39 million locally.
- Indies and New Voices: Independent films like Better Life and Saving Brody are taking advantage of L.A.’s vibrant film scene and incentives. These smaller-budget productions add diversity in storytelling and provide opportunities for emerging talent behind and in front of the camera.
- Opportunity for Talent: This flurry of summer filming means casting calls and crew jobs are popping up for Angelenos. From a network sitcom taping with live audiences (Happy’s Place) to a Hulu comedy pilot (Group Chat), L.A. professionals have a chance to get involved in projects shooting right in their backyard.
Los Angeles is once again a hive of production activity in the summer of 2025. Despite recent industry challenges, the entertainment capital is hosting a mix of relocations, new series, and film shoots this July – all great news for local actors, filmmakers, and crew. Below is a rundown of the movies and TV shows “out filming” around L.A. this month, each with some brief production details and why they matter to the industry.
Bad Monkey (Season 2 – TV Series)
Production Highlights: Bad Monkey is an Apple TV+ black comedy/crime drama series led by Vince Vaughn. After a successful first season set in South Florida, the show has relocated production to Los Angeles for Season 2, thanks in part to California’s film tax credit program. The relocation from Florida to L.A. signals a win for California’s incentives, bringing this Warner Bros.-produced series (developed by Bill Lawrence of Scrubs fame) to Hollywood’s home turf. Filming in L.A. allows the show to tap into experienced local crews and actors. For background performers and day players, a high-profile series like Bad Monkey offers new casting opportunities as it shoots around town. Keep an eye out for Vaughn and company filming scenes on Los Angeles sets disguised as the Florida Keys!
Story & Industry Impact: In Bad Monkey, Vaughn plays a former detective turned restaurant inspector who gets entangled in a wild criminal plot involving a severed arm and Florida land deals. The show’s quirky blend of humor and crime drama has earned buzz, and its decision to shoot Season 2 in L.A. underscores how California is drawing back productions. This move not only supports local jobs but also demonstrates that even shows set elsewhere will base in Los Angeles when incentives align. For L.A. talent, Bad Monkey’s summer shoot means a chance to work on a streaming hit without leaving town.
Better Life (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Better Life is an upcoming independent feature film (budget under $10 million) that has begun filming in the Los Angeles area. While details on the storyline are under wraps, the project’s title suggests a dramatic narrative – possibly touching on themes of personal struggle or hope for a “better life.” The production was approved for California’s indie project tax credit, with roughly 18 shooting days planned in-state. This means the filmmakers are leveraging local crews and locations around L.A. this month.
Story & Industry Impact: Given its indie status, Better Life may not have A-list stars, but it exemplifies the thriving independent film scene in L.A. Such projects often provide opportunities for up-and-coming actors and crew to gain experience. If you’re an actor looking for a break, indie films like this can be a great place to start – casting directors will be seeking authentic talent to bring these heartfelt stories to life. Better Life filming in Los Angeles also indicates that not only blockbusters shoot here; the city continues to nurture smaller films that could be festival darlings or sleeper hits down the line.
Blow Up The Chat (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Blow Up The Chat is a new comedy feature film from Warner Bros., set to shoot primarily in Los Angeles.
Premise: A tight-knit group of friends has been sharing their most scandalous secrets in a private group text for a year – until the chat gets hacked, threatening to expose all their dirty laundry. The movie, directed by Jeff Schaffer (known for Curb Your Enthusiasm), promises a hilarious look at digital privacy and friendship chaos. Notably, Oscar-nominee Adam Driver is attached to the cast, bringing some star power to this comedy ensemble.
Story & Industry Impact: With its very of-the-moment premise, Blow Up The Chat is poised to resonate with audiences who live on their phones. For L.A. locals, the production is a boon – it was awarded nearly $7 million in California tax credits to keep filming in-state rather than elsewhere. Expect to see filming notices around town for this one, as the story could involve various Los Angeles locales standing in for the characters’ homes and hangouts. Background actors might be in demand for party scenes or office scenes as the friends scramble to contain the fallout of their leaked chat. This project exemplifies how California is retaining studio comedies, translating into more jobs for local crews and performers.
Busted (Short Film)
Production Highlights: Busted is a short comedy film that recently wrapped a quick shoot in Los Angeles. Billed as the “Guiterrez Project: BUSTED,” this short had overnight shoots on May 3–4 in L.A. with a largely Latino cast and crew. As an independent short, Busted was likely a passion project or festival-bound film, rather than a wide theatrical release. Short films like this often film over a couple of days on a shoestring budget, utilizing local talent.
Story & Industry Impact: The casting call described Busted as a comedic piece – while plot details are scant, it’s great to see diverse creatives at the helm (the Latino casting description hints at cultural elements in the story). For the L.A. industry community, Busted is significant because it shows the hustle of grassroots filmmaking happening alongside bigger productions. Many actors and crew get their start on shorts like this. If you’re an aspiring actor, keeping an eye on casting calls for short films can lead to valuable experience, on-set connections, and festival exposure. Busted may pop up on the festival circuit or online later, showcasing L.A.’s emerging comedic voices.
Dog (Working Title – Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Dog (working title) is a project reportedly filming in the Los Angeles area this July. Details on this production are very limited – the title “Dog” may even be a placeholder or code name. It’s not uncommon for films to use secret working titles during shooting. While we don’t have plot or casting info, the fact that it’s on the slate suggests it secured permits to shoot around L.A. this summer.
Story & Industry Impact: With such a sparse profile, Dog remains something of a mystery. It could be an independent film quietly shooting scenes on location, or even a larger franchise entry using a short code name to avoid attention. (For instance, Marvel famously uses working titles for its shoots.) For now, professionals should note that Dog is happening and possibly keep ears open for any industry buzz about it. Who knows – today’s secretive “Dog” project could turn out to be tomorrow’s surprise hit. And if you see production signs labeled “DOG” in your L.A. neighborhood, now you’ll know what’s up!
The Fear Project: Part One – Trauma (Documentary/Thriller)
Production Highlights: The Fear Project: Part One – Trauma is an innovative docu-thriller beginning production in Los Angeles (and Orange County’s Huntington Beach) starting July 1st. This hybrid project, produced by L.A.-based indie company An 11:11 Experience, blurs the line between documentary and horror. Premise: A film student returns to his hometown to make a documentary about fear – only to confront his own childhood terrors and uncover a twisted past in the process. Actor Christopher Valleroy plays the lead role of the student, and writer-director Michael Leoni is at the helm.
Story & Industry Impact: The Fear Project is notable for its blending of genres. It’s part documentary (likely featuring real interviews or genuine explorations of fear) and part scripted psychological thriller. For L.A.’s creative community, this project provides a case study in experimental filmmaking – it’s not often you see a “docu-thriller.” The production will shoot around Southern California, which means local crews versed in both documentary and narrative techniques are being employed. Actors with both improv and dramatic skills could find opportunities here, as the project might require some pseudo-realistic performances. If you have a penchant for horror or documentary work, The Fear Project is a reminder that Los Angeles sets the stage for boundary-pushing content beyond the traditional Hollywood formula.
Group Chat (TV Pilot)
Production Highlights: Group Chat is a TV comedy pilot greenlit by Hulu, set (and being filmed) in Los Angeles. This high-profile pilot stars La La Anthony, who is also an executive producer, and boasts executive producers Kenya Barris (creator of Black-ish) and Kim Kardashian. Premise: Loosely inspired by La La Anthony’s own life and her book The Love Playbook, the show follows five successful forty-something women in L.A. who maintain a private group text where they dish out their unfiltered, messy personal truths behind the polished facade of their high-profile lives. In other words, it’s a satirical peek at what’s really happening on the phones of a group of glam Los Angeles girlfriends.
Story & Industry Impact: The Group Chat pilot reflects a few big trends: powerful women in front of and behind the camera, and the ongoing interest in Los Angeles as both a setting and production hub for modern stories. With Kim Kardashian making her foray into producing scripted content, this pilot has drawn a lot of buzz. Filming in L.A. means the show can shoot on location to capture that authentic upscale Los Angeles lifestyle vibe – from trendy restaurants to luxury boutiques – which could also mean location casting for extras to populate those scenes. If picked up to series, Group Chat would bring more jobs to L.A. and continue the push of diverse, female-driven narratives (all five leads are women of color). For now, as a pilot, it’s a one-episode shoot, but it’s definitely one to watch (and maybe, if you’re lucky, even work on as a day player or background actor) given the star-studded production team.
Hana Khan Carries On (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Hana Khan Carries On is an upcoming feature film adaptation of Uzma Jalaluddin’s 2021 novel of the same name. Developed by Amazon Studios and Mindy Kaling’s production company, this project is currently in pre-production in L.A. (with casting and final scheduling underway). It has a script by Sahar Jahani (Ramy) and is set to be directed by Fawzia Mirza, known for her work on Hulu’s Deli Boys.
Premise: The story centers on Hana, a young Muslim Canadian radio storyteller and restaurateur in Toronto (the film will likely fictionalize it as Chicago based on the latest script) who begins an anonymous correspondence with a charming stranger on a dating app. Little does she know, the man on the other end – Aydin – is the owner of a competing restaurant that could put her family’s spot out of business. It’s a modern You’ve Got Mail-style romantic comedy that also explores cultural identity and community.
Story & Industry Impact: This project is a big deal because of Mindy Kaling’s involvement and its focus on South Asian Muslim characters – a group rarely centered in Hollywood rom-coms. While the story itself is set in a community outside Los Angeles (Toronto/Chicago), the decision to develop and possibly film it in L.A. speaks to Hollywood’s role in bringing diverse stories to life. For L.A.-based actors of South Asian and Middle Eastern descent, Hana Khan Carries On could be a fantastic opportunity – keep an eye out for casting, as the production will need authentic voices to fill out Hana’s world. This film also underscores Amazon’s commitment to inclusive storytelling. Filming is expected to ramp up later this year in Los Angeles (stage work or city doubles for the setting). By covering a tale of love, family, and culture, Hana Khan Carries On shows that Los Angeles isn’t just hosting explosions and car chases this summer – it’s also where heartfelt, globally-minded stories are being made.
Happy’s Place (Season 2 – TV Series)
Production Highlights: Happy’s Place is an NBC multi-camera sitcom that films in front of a live studio audience in Los Angeles. Starring country music icon Reba McEntire, this comedy series had a successful first season (18 episodes) and was renewed for Season 2, which began filming in June and continues through July. The show tapes on the Universal Studios lot in Hollywood, where audience members can attend tapings as if it were a live theater show. Premise: The sitcom is set in a Nashville tavern called “Happy’s Place.” Reba McEntire plays Bobbie, a woman who inherits her late father’s bar and discovers she has a younger half-sister, co-owner of the bar. The odd-couple sisters (one outspoken and older, one millennial and quirky) must work together to keep the bar running – leading to heartwarming and hilarious situations. Season 1 ended with Bobbie’s estranged daughter returning from military service, setting up more family comedy in Season 2.
Story & Industry Impact: Happy’s Place filming in L.A. is a reminder that the city is still the center for network television production, especially multi-cam sitcoms (which typically shoot in L.A. for the studio facilities). For actors and performers, a show like this creates a lot of jobs: there are opportunities for background actors to play bar patrons, for live audience warm-up comedians, and of course for all the crew that comes with a multi-camera setup (camera operators, set designers, etc.). Reba McEntire’s involvement also shows the draw of L.A. for big talent in television – she juggles this show with her music career, even scheduling filming around her tours and The Voice. If you’re an aspiring sitcom actor, watching or even attending a taping of Happy’s Place could be a masterclass in timing and working the crowd. And fun fact: Reba herself performs the show’s theme song, “You Belong at Happy’s Place,” truly making this production a family affair on set.
Land of Wolves (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Land of Wolves is a new independent feature film shooting in Los Angeles in late July. It’s described as a gritty crime drama with a haunting psychological angle. Premise (Logline): Haunted by the demons of his past, a drug dealer named Dom ends up in solitary confinement, where… (the story likely unfolds as he confronts his inner and outer demons). The production has been casting L.A. talent – a recent casting call sought extras for the film, indicating filming dates around July 29th in Los Angeles. There are hints from social media that Land of Wolves might have a modern Western or thriller flair (one wrap photo mentioned an “Agent Henderson” character and tagged #westernthriller).
Story & Industry Impact: This film appears to tackle heavy themes of crime, punishment, and personal torment. For Los Angeles, having Land of Wolves shoot locally showcases the city’s versatility as a backdrop: one day it’s a glamorous rom-com set, the next it’s a gritty prison or inner-city environment for a crime story. Land of Wolves will likely use L.A. soundstages or facilities to simulate prison scenes (solitary confinement, etc.) and could also film on location for flashbacks or exterior scenes. Industry-wise, it’s employing a lot of local indie crew and giving work to local actors (possibly in law enforcement or inmate roles). The project’s presence on casting boards (Backstage, Casting Networks) means actors in L.A. have a shot at roles ranging from featured extras (prison guards, inmates) to possibly speaking roles if they fit the edgy tone. It’s a reminder that not all L.A. filmmaking is glitz and sunshine – there’s a strong appetite for intense, story-driven indie films here too.
Matlock (Season 1 & 2 – TV Series)
Production Highlights: Matlock is a classic legal drama revived for a new generation – and it’s filming right here in Los Angeles. CBS ordered this reboot of the 1980s/90s series, with Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates starring as the titular attorney (a gender-flipped take on Andy Griffith’s old role). Production of Matlock Season 1 took place on studio lots in L.A. (e.g. Paramount Studios in Hollywood), although its debut was delayed to the 2024-2025 TV season due to last year’s strikes. Now with Season 1 airing soon, Season 2 is already in the works and slated to begin filming later this summer in Los Angeles. Fans can expect the same procedural courtroom intrigue, but with a modern L.A. flair.
Story & Industry Impact: On-screen, Matlock (2024) follows Madeline “Matty” Matlock (Bates) as a brilliant septuagenarian lawyer who rejoins a prestigious law firm and upends everyone’s expectations with her homespun wisdom and razor-sharp skills. Many scenes are courtroom or office-based, which makes Los Angeles a perfect production base thanks to its abundant soundstages and legal drama expertise. For the industry, rebooting a beloved IP like Matlock in L.A. means hundreds of union crew jobs and dozens of speaking roles for local actors (judges, clients, witnesses, etc.) across the season. If you’re an actor, shows like this often guest-cast local theater talent for trial-of-the-week characters – one week a defendant, next week a witness. Keep an eye on casting notices; a co-star spot on a network drama is a prized credit. Moreover, Matlock filming in L.A. reaffirms that even as some TV production migrates to other states, Hollywood is still home to marquee network dramas. Kathy Bates has even hinted at directing an episode in Season 2, so the show may also provide mentorship opportunities on set for up-and-coming directors and writers in L.A.
Misty Green (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Misty Green is a Hollywood drama feature directed by and starring Chris Rock, which is filming in Los Angeles this summer (approximately late June through July). This project is backed by Macro Film Studios and Confluential Films (companies known for championing diverse voices) and has industry heavyweights like producer Peter Rice on board.
Premise: Misty Green is a tale of talent, second chances, and turbulent pasts in Tinseltown. It follows Misty, an undeniably talented actress whose career has been derailed by personal vices. She finally gets a shot at redemption when a director named Jordan (played by Chris Rock) offers her a role that could be her comeback – but their contentious past and Hollywood’s unforgiving nature complicate things. It’s a character-driven story about Hollywood excess, ambition, and redemption.
Story & Industry Impact: This film is a major draw for Los Angeles for a couple of reasons. First, its storyline is about Hollywood – so filming in L.A. isn’t just practical, it’s essential for authenticity. Expect scenes at recognizable studios, maybe even Hollywood Boulevard, adding meta realism as Misty fights for her comeback. Second, Misty Green underscores a current industry theme: giving seasoned stars a platform to explore industry issues (in this case, Chris Rock examining fame and failure, possibly drawing from real experiences). For local actors, a high-profile drama like this might have smaller roles and stand-in gigs – perhaps playing crew members, paparazzi, or fellow actors within the film’s film. And for crew, working with Chris Rock as a director is a big opportunity; he’s known for his comedy, so this dramatic turn has people intrigued. The production was announced to be represented by Neon International for sales, meaning awards ambitions – who knows, this could be a festival contender next year. At the very least, Misty Green filming in L.A. brings some star wattage to the city this summer and highlights issues of representation and second chances in showbiz.
The Musical (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: The Musical is an upcoming independent film (working title) that is set to shoot in Los Angeles, with an estimated 23 filming days slated locally. As the title implies, this project is likely to be in the musical or musical-comedy genre – perhaps a story that involves the creation of a stage musical, or a narrative told through songs. The production is being managed by a company called Black Magic (according to state records) and qualified for California’s tax credit program. That suggests it’s budgeted under $10 million and committed to hiring local cast and crew.
Story & Industry Impact: While we don’t have the plot details, The Musical contributes to a resurgence of musical storytelling in Hollywood. Filming in L.A. means access to top-notch choreographers, dancers, and musical talent – so if you’re a triple-threat performer (actor-singer-dancer), this might be the kind of production to watch for casting calls. The film could be anything from a quirky indie ala La La Land to a comedic spoof; either way, it’s injecting some song-and-dance into the summer production slate. For the industry, supporting a musical film on the indie level is exciting because it provides jobs not just for standard film crew but also for music directors, vocal coaches, and other specialized roles – all drawn from Los Angeles’s deep talent pool. And if you happen to wander downtown and hear showtunes echoing from a film set, you might just have stumbled upon The Musical in the making. This project is a reminder that Los Angeles is a place where even mid-budget musicals can flourish, not just on Broadway but on film.
One of Them Days 2 (Feature Film Sequel)
Production Highlights: One of Them Days 2 is the sequel to the hit comedy One of Them Days – and it’s gearing up to film in Los Angeles. The original film, produced by Issa Rae, starred Keke Palmer and music superstar SZA as two best friends enduring one outrageous day of mishaps in Atlanta. It was a breakout success earlier this year (praised for its laugh-out-loud moments and cultural authenticity), and it’s headed to Netflix for streaming. Now, the sequel is officially in pre-production. Backed by Sony’s TriStar Pictures, One of Them Days 2 snagged a hefty ~$8 million California tax credit to shoot in L.A. – a strategic move to bring this project to Hollywood’s doorstep. We can expect the principal photography to kick off imminently, keeping much of the creative team intact.
Story & Industry Impact: The sequel’s plot is under wraps, but it’s safe to assume Keke Palmer’s and SZA’s characters will return for another wild adventure – only this time, perhaps the setting or circumstances change (could the “day” happen in L.A. this round?). Filming in Los Angeles represents a homecoming of sorts: Issa Rae is an L.A. native and often set her acclaimed series Insecure here, so she’s no stranger to leveraging the city’s backdrop. For local crews and vendors, One of Them Days 2 is a boon – it’s a major studio comedy planting itself in Southern California, meaning jobs, from soundstage work to on-location shoots around town. For actors, this production will likely cast a mix of established stars and up-and-coming comedians; there may also be casting calls for extras to populate big comedic set pieces (imagine concert scenes, block parties, etc., given the first film’s energetic vibe). The project underscores California’s success in attracting sequels and franchises that might have otherwise filmed elsewhere. Fans of the first film are excited to see how the story expands – and industry folks are excited because it means another high-profile, culturally resonant movie is being made in L.A. this summer. Keep an eye on this one; with Issa Rae at the helm, it’s sure to be both hilarious and a love letter to the city.
Saving Brody (Feature Film)
Production Highlights: Saving Brody is a new independent drama film set to film in the Los Angeles area. It secured a California film tax credit in June, indicating around 25 filming days in-state and a modest budget. The production is being managed by Spyridon Holdings LLC, but creative details (director, cast) haven’t been publicized yet. From the title “Saving Brody,” one might infer the story involves a character named Brody in need of rescue or salvation – possibly a child or loved one at the heart of an emotional journey.
Story & Industry Impact: Without official plot info, we can speculate that Saving Brody could be a heartfelt narrative, perhaps about family or overcoming adversity. This is exactly the kind of film where Los Angeles can provide not only urban locations but also suburban or rural California looks if needed – many indie dramas take advantage of California’s diverse scenery within a short drive. For industry professionals, Saving Brody exemplifies how the tax incentive is bringing more indie work to L.A.; rather than shooting in, say, Vancouver or Atlanta, the filmmakers are keeping it local. That means jobs for local crew (often indie crews are tight-knit and wear multiple hats, which can be a great learning environment). Actors might find opportunities here too – indie dramas often casting fresh faces for authenticity. If you’re looking to build your reel, a small role in a project like Saving Brody – which likely will aim for film festivals – is ideal. And thematically, who knows? Perhaps it touches on something timely or personal, which could attract attention on the indie circuit. As Saving Brody begins production, it’s another testament that Los Angeles’ production ecosystem spans from big studios to the smallest passion projects, all coexisting under the California sun.
Lights, Camera, Action – Your Turn: As these projects light up soundstages and backlots across Los Angeles, now is the time to get in on the action. For aspiring actors, background performers, or crew members, each of these productions means casting calls, auditions, and hiring are happening now. Whether you’re aiming to be the next big star or just land a day on set, keep an eye on Project Casting’s job listings and audition opportunities for roles in these films and shows. This July, Hollywood isn’t just a place – it’s a happening. Jump on in, network with fellow creatives, and who knows? You might find yourself on set, helping bring these stories to life. Join Project Casting today, and start your journey in the entertainment industry – the cameras are rolling, and your moment could be just one click away!
