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5d ago

LA City Council Approves Motion to Reform Film Permitting Process

The unanimous vote directs city departments to propose fee reductions, streamlined permits, and other measures within 30 days to address the decline in local production.

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Councilmember Adrin Nazarian speaks during a rally outside Los Angeles City Hall after the Los Angeles City Council voted on a motion to keep more film and television production in L.A by adjusting fees, streamlining the permitting process, and removing other regulatory obstacles to filming in L.A. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
TWO MEN WITH MOVIE CAMERA, IN ELEVATED POSITION

Overview

  • The motion, introduced by Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, aims to reduce costs and bureaucratic hurdles for on-location filming in Los Angeles.
  • City departments, including FilmLA, have been tasked to report back within 30 days with recommendations on fee waivers, staffing adjustments, and certification reforms.
  • Los Angeles has seen a 22.4% decline in regional filming activity in the first quarter of 2025, with TV production down 58% since 2021.
  • Industry groups such as IATSE Local 728 and the Directors Guild of America strongly supported the motion, citing job losses linked to productions leaving the city.
  • The reforms complement state-level efforts, including Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to expand the California Film & Television Tax Credit program from $330 million to $750 million.