Los Angeles’ film and television production has seen a significant decline, with on-location productions dropping by 22.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report by FilmLA. The city’s once-thriving industry is now facing concerns that it may face similar challenges to Detroit’s auto industry, which left the city hollowed out decades ago.
Industry experts point to global competition and a decline in production as major contributors to the decline. In 2024, Los Angeles saw over 7,000 shoot days, compared to just shy of 5,300 this year. The drop is attributed to “intensifying competition for film projects and jobs” from other locations.
The head of a local location agency expressed concern about smaller companies struggling to stay afloat in the industry. Industry experts are now advocating for fewer regulations and more incentives from the California government to encourage productions to return and film in the state.
In response, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed increasing the Film and Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million per year, representing a $420 million increase from the current allocation of $330 million. State lawmakers have also introduced legislation to revamp the program, aiming to make more productions eligible for tax credits and increase the size of the tax credits each project can receive.
The entertainment industry in Los Angeles is estimated to bring over $30 billion to California annually, supporting over 200,000 local jobs and driving tourism for the city.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/los-angeles-sees-continuing-decline-film-television-production