LA Projections Drop Drastically
Have you noticed less filming activity in Los Angeles? Well, the numbers are in, and they’re not too pretty. Film and TV production in LA has seen a significant slip, dropping by nearly 20% in just one year, from 2022 to 2023.
According to the latest stats from FilmLA, only 183 filming projects rolled out in the area. That’s miles behind the 990 filmed across the rest of the country. This dip has affected all factors of the industry, from TV shows to theatrical films and streaming movies. It’s a blow to Hollywood’s status as the world’s top film hub.
What’s Behind the Decline?
Two big challenges stand out. Firstly, a wave of labor strikes slowed production in LA. The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes of 2023 demanded better pay and protections for actors and writers. They were especially concerned about how artificial intelligence could harm their careers.
The second challenge? Fierce competition from other regions. Many states, both domestically like New York and Georgia, and internationally like the UK and Ontario, are drawing productions away from LA. They’re simply offering better tax incentives and more investment in infrastructure.
A Reflection in The Numbers
Digging deeper, TV production in LA saw a sharp 22.8% decline, going beyond the national 18.3% drop. Streaming movies, too, fell by 22.7%. Despite the importance of the film industry to California’s economy — think hefty $43 billion in wages — the state is losing out on a growing share of productions. A couple of years back in 2021, California grabbed 23% of qualified projects, but by 2023, that figure shrunk to 18%.
Today, competing regions are snagging most of the projects. Around four out of every five TV and film projects choose to work elsewhere.
The Broader Picture
Worryingly, this trend isn’t only occurring in LA. Even traditional film zones like Georgia and the UK have taken serious hits in both TV and cable series production.
At the same time, there are regions out there weathering the storm quite well. New York, Ontario, and Illinois, for example, saw major growth in TV series and streaming movie production. They’ve demonstrated how effective government perks can be to entice film projects to their turf.
In the case of New York, they offer a hefty 30-40% tax credit on qualifying productions. That’s a lot more enticing than California’s 20-30% rate, which comes with a smaller annual funding cap.
A Call to Boost California’s Film Perks
In light of these struggles, FilmLA’s president, Paul Audley, has suggested a serious boost to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program. Without much-needed extra cash flow into the state’s entertainment industry, the effects could ripple far and wide. When there’s less work in the pipeline, everyone gets hit hard. Directors, actors, small businesses, and workers in the industry, like caterers and equipment suppliers, all feel the pinch. The fear is without a steady income, many could face closure, hurting local communities and families.
Can California Bounce Back?
Other regions are already offering juicy deals that are appealing to filmmakers. No annual funding cap in Georgia, competitive incentives in Ontario and the UK — these are hard to resist. Now, more than ever, California has to step up its game, or risk losing its iconic status in the global film industry.
Yes, Hollywood is still an iconic symbol of the film world. But the truth is, the competition is catching up fast. Going forward, California has a tough task. It must offer more than just sunshine and stars to keep its title as the film capital of the world. It’s now a game of incentives, infrastructure and support for everyone involved in the industry. Only time will tell if this giant can swing back into action.Check the full story on https://projectcasting.com/blog/news/film-tv-production-la-film-la-report