Los Angeles City Council Approves Measures to Streamline Film Production

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a series of measures intended to streamline local film and television production. The actions follow a reported decline in filming activity and aim to simplify permitting processes, adjust fees, and improve coordination among city departments.

Approved Council Measures

On Wednesday, the City Council voted in favor of seven initial motions, referred to as "Phase 1" of broader efforts to support the industry. The approved directives instruct various city departments to:

• Expedite soundstage certification processes.
• Report on compliance with Mayor Karen Bass’s May 2025 executive order regarding filming on city property.
• Initiate an independent audit of the city’s film permitting system, managed by the independent organization FilmLA.
• Implement a free permit for "microshoots," defined as productions with 10 or fewer personnel.
• Facilitate agreements with surrounding counties and cities to standardize permit regulations.
• Develop a "Made in L.A." branding campaign concept through the city’s tourism department.
• Collaborate to unify filming conditions and simplify rules across the city.

Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who introduced the motions, stated that the goal is to "reform negative factors" impeding production.

Local agencies have between 45 and 180 days to implement these directives.

Industry Context and Decline

The council's action occurs amid a reported downturn in local production. According to data cited by officials, television show filming in the first quarter of 2025 was more than 50 percent below the five-year average, while feature film production dropped more than 30 percent in the same period.

During the council meeting's public comment period, industry workers and union leaders emphasized the need for such measures. A representative from IATSE cited a need for work in the entertainment sector. Carlo Perez, a union business manager, highlighted the practice of filming in other states and replacing license plates with California ones as an issue. SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President Joely Fisher was among those advocating for industry revitalization.

FilmLA, the non-profit that coordinates permits, has faced criticism from some local workers who describe the current system as complicated and expensive. Councilmember Nazarian acknowledged these complaints during the meeting, affirming the council's oversight of the agency.

Additional Government Proposals

The recently passed measures are part of a wider range of government actions and proposals concerning film production.

• State Level: In 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation increasing the state's production tax credit program cap from $330 million to $750 million annually.
• City Level: Councilmember Nazarian has additional motions under committee review proposing new incentive programs and fee waivers, including a pilot to waive fees for productions with 50 or fewer personnel.
• Mayoral Candidates: Policies related to film production have been discussed by candidates in the upcoming mayoral election.
  • Candidate Pratt has proposed reducing location fees, creating a production support team, speeding up permit approvals, and providing public funding for the filming office.
  • Mayor Karen Bass, during her first term, issued a 2025 directive to make certain city properties more accessible for filming by reducing review times and some fees.
  • Candidate Nithya Raman has stated that if elected, her administration would staff a city film office, eliminate fees for smaller productions, and simplify permitting. She has cited the timing of the current administration's response, noting the appointment of a dedicated film liaison in late 2024.

Industry and Community Perspectives

During the council meeting, some union representatives requested involvement in future discussions. Thom Davis, president of the California IATSE Council, asked for consideration of labor and safety standards.

Advocates for downtown Los Angeles, including the DTLA Alliance and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, expressed concerns about the potential impact of filming reforms on neighborhood residents and businesses.

From a studio perspective, Paramount's George Cheeks stated in an April briefing that the company prefers to shoot in California but must meet financial targets, noting that state tax credits covering above-the-line costs would make the state more competitive.

The next phase of the city's efforts is expected to focus on proactive strategies to attract film and television production back to Los Angeles.