The state of film and television production in Los Angeles has sunk to another all-time low. Earlier this week, the non-profit industry group FilmLA released a report claiming that in the quarter from July to September, the Los Angeles area registered the fewest number of film & television production days in history.
The report points to the industry’s desperate need for the increased tax credits that the California state government passed earlier this year to stem the tide of the state’s dramatic declines in production.
There are several key factors contributing to California’s drop in production, starting with the aftereffects of the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023, as well as an overall cutback by studios on new productions. The increase in tax incentives from other states and countries has also lured some production to alternative hubs.
Earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom spearheaded a push to increase the state’s tax credits for film & television production by over $750 million. Initial results have been promising, with outlets reporting a 400% increase in production shoot applications submitted to the state since the new law’s passage.
And despite this dire report, FilmLA itself struck an optimistic note in the conclusion of its report, saying that its sampling period may be the low point in production, before the impact of the increased tax credits is felt. Many are eager to see FilmLA’s upcoming report on the fourth quarter, to see if the increased credits take effect and help LA’s struggling entertainment industry rebound.













