Los Angeles Film and TV Shoot Days Keep Plunging As Officials Scramble
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Filming activity in Los Angeles declined nearly 5% from June to September compared to the previous year and is 36% below the five-year average, despite California’s expanded film and TV tax credit program.
- The tax credit expansion increased annual funding to $750 million and broadened eligibility, with 214 projects receiving incentives since July 2025, yet overall production levels remain insufficient to support local crews and businesses.
- TV drama production fell 9%, while comedy production surged 143%, largely driven by tax-incentivized projects; feature film shoots rose slightly by 2%, but commercial production dropped nearly 16%, a sector not eligible for credits.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advocates for an uncapped state tax credit including more production types and the establishment of a federal film and television tax credit to bolster the region’s competitiveness.
- Meanwhile, New York is gaining ground as a filming hub, with an 87% increase in production spending compared to California’s 17% rise, highlighting growing competition in attracting major productions.
