Council Seeks To Aid Film Industry Amid Economic Struggles

LOS ANGELES, CA — The City Council on Tuesday advanced a package of proposals meant to support film production in the city, which has faced struggles recently.

The council directed several city departments to report back in 30 days with recommended adjustments that could help support production, including adjusting fees, permits, parking and security requirements and certifying new sound stages.

"This motion is focused on revitalizing local filming production, streamlining the city's permitting process, and making it more efficient and less bogged down by bureaucracy," said Councilman Adrin Nazarian, who introduced the motion. "Simply put, this is about protecting middle class workers and also the very industry that established Los Angeles on the world map."

Los Angeles has seen a decline in film and TV production activity, based on several metrics measured by permit office Film LA. Leaders say LA is facing competition from other jurisdictions that offer more favorable tax credits. Last year, the organization raised its permit fees by 4%.

"In Los Angeles, FilmLA and other bureaucracy that we have put in place has made it too hard and too expensive for productions, especially smaller production films here," Councilwoman Traci Park said. "We have to fix that."

State lawmakers are considering two bills intended to revitalize production, including through tax credits, Nazarian said.

City News Service contributed to this report.