Too quiet on set? Hollywood pushes for more LA productions post wildfires

Hollywood, often referred to as Tinseltown, is a place where dreams are made, and movies come to life. However, in recent times, the film industry in Los Angeles has faced significant challenges. Many filmmakers are choosing to shoot their movies in other cities like Atlanta, London, and Toronto instead of Los Angeles. This shift is largely due to the lower costs of production in these locations, which offer cheaper labor and better tax incentives. The recent wildfires that devastated parts of California have only added to the difficulties faced by the local film community. Mark Worthington, a production designer who lost his home in the fires, expressed his desire for studios to bring back work for the local film workers. He believes that supporting the community is essential for recovery. nnMark and his partner, Mindy Elliot, are still coming to terms with the loss of their home in Altadena. They have not been able to find work in the film industry for a long time, and the pandemic, labor strikes, and the decline of streaming services have all contributed to their struggles. According to ProdPro, a company that tracks global production, the number of film productions in the United States dropped by 26% last year compared to pre-strike levels in 2022. In contrast, countries like Australia and New Zealand saw an increase in production, with Australia experiencing a 14% rise. This situation has left many in Hollywood feeling disheartened, especially as iconic projects, such as a biopic about the Red Hot Chili Peppers, are being filmed in Atlanta instead of Los Angeles. nnDespite the challenges, Hollywood's studios and streaming services have raised over $70 million for fire relief efforts. However, many believe that these contributions are not enough. They argue that Hollywood's major companies need to commit to filming in Los Angeles to help the local economy. Studios often prioritize their profits over the well-being of workers, and the high costs of filming in LA, combined with union protections, make it difficult for studios to justify returning. However, A-list actors like Vin Diesel have been vocal about the need for production to return to LA. Nearly 20,000 people, including well-known actors, have signed a petition urging state leaders to remove caps on production tax incentives for LA County. This grassroots campaign, led by director Sarah Adina Smith, aims to make filming in LA more affordable and help the city recover from the wildfires. They are also advocating for studios to commit to increasing their productions in Los Angeles by 10%.