Film Industry Stakeholders Demand Reforn As LA Renews Contract With FilmLA

LOS ANGELES, CA — After roughly two hours of public comment in which industry stakeholders called for film permitting reforms, a panel of Los Angeles appointed officials Friday renewed a five-year contract with FilmLA.

The Board of Public Works unanimously voted to renew the city's contract with the partner film office, which also serves L.A. County and other local jurisdictions. The five-member board did not have the authority to make changes to the contract, as such amendments would require approval by both parties, as well as consideration by the City Council.

"We're very limited in our jurisdiction," Board Vice President Jenny Chavez said.

"The fact of the matter is that we either have to adhere to the five years and work within the constraints," she added, noting that failing to extend the contract would jeopardize the city's ability to issue film permits and lead to further barriers for a struggling industry.

She emphasized that elected officials have made it clear they support reforming city regulations impacting the film industry.

FilmLA representatives during the meeting made a commitment to work with city officials on amendments to the contract, as well as to offer solutions the city could implement on their side.

Paul Audley, president of FilmLA, told City News Service in a telephone interview that they have years supporting the city and other jurisdictions with their film needs.

The contract was first approved in March 2010, renewed in 2016 and 2020, with amendments to enhance reporting requirements, establish goals and objectives. Audley noted there are no charges to the city for the work they do.

The organization recovers the cost they do for work through fees to the industry.

Marilyn Bittner, a business owner of a location service company representing commercial and residential properties in the city, criticized the process, noting it was "amazingly short." Several speakers echoed her frustration in that they felt more input from stakeholders should have been considered.

Angela Moss, a member of Local 706 International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, urged the board to ensure the contract evolves with the needs of the industry. She added that the film industry has suffered in recent years due to the impacts of the coronavirus, as well as due to the dual actor and writing strikes.

"It's not what it was five years ago, and it's not going to be what it is in the next five years," Moss said.

Meanwhile, Audley explained that the contract was brought up in January for discussion, but as a result of the wildfires and changes to the Board of Public Works a review of the agreement was pushed back.

He told CNS that they've put forward 17 recommendations for the city to consider in its efforts to reduce red-tape and other solutions to aid the film industry.

"FilmLA's goal is to increase production in LA and the focus immediately is on next week in Sacramento, where the governor's budget is supposed to pass with an increase in the tax credit," Audley said.

"So we'll continue being the advocate and on top of it, and watching and doing the research and doing everything we can to keep the film industry strong in L.A.," he added.

Meanwhile, City Councilman Adrin Nazarian, who has backed efforts to reform city film regulations, had mixed reactions to the decision.

"We were faced with two unacceptable choices," Nazarian said in a statement, noting that either the city would renew the contract without time for review or negotiation or allow the contract to lapse.

"Such a lapse in permitting would put a hold on all production in the city, doing irreparable damage to an industry that is already in crisis," the councilman said. "I have received FilmLA's commitment to modifying the contract within their first year and I intend to come back with recommendations for potential amendments."

The City Council and Mayor Karen Bass have approved measures to assist the film industry, and have supported Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to increase the state tax credit to $750 million.

By Jose Herrera, City News Service