LA Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Boost Local Film, TV Production

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive directive to revitalize the local film and television industry by streamlining the permitting process, lowering production costs, and making iconic city-owned locations such as Griffith Observatory and the Central Library more accessible for filming. The directive cuts city fees, reduces required on-set city staff, and establishes clearer guidelines to facilitate filming at landmarks, aiming to curb the ongoing exodus of productions to other states and countries offering better incentives. Bass emphasized that supporting the entertainment industry is crucial for preserving middle-class, union jobs and sustaining the city’s economy. She also reiterated her support for a significant increase in California’s annual film tax credit, aligning with a proposal to more than double the current cap to $750 million. Some industry experts, however, warn that these measures may not fully address the competitive disadvantage unless California’s tax incentives become more robust, as seen in states like Georgia. City officials are also working on better communication with productions about infrastructure projects to further minimize disruptions.