“Despite a Q4 uptick, L.A. filming ends 2024 with second-lowest shoot days of the year, says FilmLA.”

Filming in Los Angeles has shown signs of recovery, as production increased by approximately six percent in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This uptick, from October to December, was observed across most types of production, excluding reality TV, which saw its ninth consecutive quarterly decline. The latest report from FilmLA, released on Wednesday, highlights that there were 5,860 shoot days in the final quarter of the year.

Despite this positive shift, the overall production numbers for the year remained historically low. Local shooting in Los Angeles in 2024 totaled 23,480 shoot days, marking the second-lowest level recorded by FilmLA since 2020 when filming was halted due to the pandemic.

The struggles in 2024 were attributed to multiple factors, including the long-term effects of runaway production. Many film and TV shows have continued to opt for locations with more generous tax incentives, contributing to the reduction in local filming. The recovery from the strikes, which impacted the industry throughout the year, was slower than anticipated, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, the ongoing contraction of the entertainment industry played a role in the overall decline in local production.

While the last quarter’s increase is encouraging, it was not enough to significantly alter the course of a challenging year for L.A. film and TV production. The industry now faces the challenge of sustaining growth and regaining lost ground as it enters 2025.

The report from FilmLA does not factor in the impact of Los Angeles’ historic wildfires, which could further hamper production in the short term. These wildfires, which have intensified over recent years, have posed significant challenges to the industry, including disruptions to shooting schedules, locations, and crew safety. As a result, the ongoing wildfire season could exacerbate the already struggling production landscape in Los Angeles, potentially leading to additional delays and further declines in local filming in the immediate future.

In a statement, FilmLA President Paul Audley expressed deep concern about the widespread effects of the recent wildfires on Hollywood workers and related industries. He noted that many individuals in the entertainment sector, as well as those in ancillary industries, have been “directly affected by this tragedy.” Audley also emphasized that some iconic locations, cherished by audiences nationwide, may never return to the screen due to the devastation. He further highlighted the broader impact of the fires on the Greater Los Angeles area, stating, “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.”

Despite gains in most major production categories during the last quarter of 2024, the TV sector saw a decline. TV production dropped by 6.5 percent, with 1,596 shoot days, which is just 53 percent of the five-year average. Reality TV, in particular, experienced a sharp 45.7 percent decline compared to the same period in 2023, significantly dragging down the entire TV category. TV dramas, however, saw some recovery, with 528 shoot days, although this still fell 36.6 percent below the five-year average.

A brighter spot emerged in feature film production, which saw a remarkable 82 percent increase compared to the previous year, reaching 589 shoot days. FilmLA analysts attribute this boost to increased independent film activity.

Amidst Los Angeles’ ongoing production slump, the focus has shifted to California’s film and TV tax incentive program. Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom approved a budget proposal to significantly increase the state’s tax credit cap from $330 million to $750 million annually. If passed, the program would become the most generous state subsidy for the entertainment industry, trailing only Georgia, which does not have a cap on its annual subsidy offerings. This move is seen as a critical effort to revitalize local production and keep the industry competitive in the face of mounting challenges.

The success of California’s proposed expanded film and TV tax incentive program will depend largely on several key changes, including broadening the types of expenditures and categories of production that qualify for tax credits. One significant adjustment would be increasing the maximum amount of subsidies a single title can receive. Currently, California remains the only major film hub to exclude above-the-line costs—such as salaries for actors, directors, and producers—from qualifying for tax credits, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to other states with more flexible policies.

Many of the productions that choose to shoot in Los Angeles already benefit from tax incentives that encourage filming in California. Expanding the eligibility criteria and the overall subsidy amount could provide a much-needed boost to the local industry, incentivizing more productions to return to the region and counteracting the effects of the recent downturn. By making these adjustments, California could not only strengthen its position as a leading film hub but also help revitalize local filming activity amid ongoing challenges.

Courtesy: Doom External

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