LA Mayor Unveils Bold New Plan to Revitalize Film and TV Production
So, here’s the scoop: Mayor Karen Bass just dropped a plan that’s all about making Los Angeles the go-to spot for film and TV production. She’s looking to cut down on those pesky production costs and streamline the whole process of shooting movies, TV shows, and commercials at some of LA’s most iconic spots.
On Tuesday, she gathered with industry bigwigs at SAG/AFTRA's Los Angeles headquarters to lay out her vision. The Mayor’s all about making it easier to snag a production permit, which is pretty crucial for keeping Hollywood right where it belongs.
Some of the city’s prime locations, like the Central Library, the Port of Los Angeles, and Griffith Park Observatory, are set to get a major boost. We’re talking about easier access for filming, quicker review timelines, and lower fees for certain spots. Plus, the Central Library is stepping up with “reasonable safeguards” to allow for interior filming. Sounds like a win-win, right?
“These beloved LA landmarks have been featured in countless films and shows, from classics like 'Beverly Hills Cop' to modern hits like 'La La Land,' and we need to keep that tradition alive,” Bass emphasized. It’s not just about the glitz and glam of Hollywood; it’s also about creating solid union jobs, supporting middle-class livelihoods, and boosting small businesses. The film industry is a huge part of LA’s economic backbone.
But wait, there’s more! The city’s also going to take a good look at existing land and buildings to see how they can be used for filming, parking, and other film-related activities. Bass is even cutting down on the number of city staff needed to oversee filming, which should help save some cash and reduce red tape.
Interestingly, Bass mentioned that these ideas didn’t just come out of thin air. They were brought to her office by folks in the entertainment industry who are feeling the heat from other states and countries that are offering better incentives and tax credits. It’s a competitive world out there!
And she’s got her eyes on Sacramento too. “I’m confident my colleagues in Sacramento will get that tax credit done,” she said, referring to the proposed increase in California’s annual film tax credit from $330 million to a whopping $750 million. That’s a serious boost!
Let’s not forget, the film industry has faced some tough times lately. Between the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Hollywood strikes in 2023, and the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, production levels have taken a hit. In fact, there was a 22% drop in production in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024. Ouch!
“Today is a fantastic day for LA’s local entertainment scene,” said Jodi Long, SAG/AFTRA’s national Los Angeles vice president. “The film and television industry is the heart of Los Angeles. It’s woven into our history, our culture, and most importantly, our economy.”
And just to give you a little background, Julie Sharp, who’s a digital producer at CBS Los Angeles, is a South Bay native and studied print journalism at Cal State University Long Beach. She’s got her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the industry.
With all these changes on the horizon, it looks like LA is gearing up for a major comeback in the film and TV world. It’s about time, right? Let’s see how this all plays out!
