Los Angeles Mayoral Candidates Address Film Production Decline

Los Angeles mayoral candidates have placed the city’s film and television production slump at the center of their campaigns. Shooting days in the city have fallen by half since 2018, according to Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman. The drop has contributed to the loss of approximately 57,000 jobs over the last four years and the closure of more than 80 production service businesses since 2022.

Raman, who is running against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt, released a video filmed on an empty studio backlot. In the video she stated that the issue is personal because her husband works as a television writer and producer. She criticized the current administration’s handling of the matter and pledged to keep Los Angeles the film and television capital of the world.

City officials and industry advocates point to several local factors that have affected filming. These include lengthy permitting processes, multiple sets of rules across more than 100 jurisdictions, and fees that some producers say are higher than in other locations.

A pilot program offering reduced-cost permits for low-impact shoots has been introduced, though some location managers say the changes have been limited. The production of the television series “Baywatch” at Venice Beach encountered permitting issues in March that required additional parking approvals.

City and county officials later reached an agreement that included a 20 percent parking discount. The incident drew attention to the city’s filming procedures.

Bass has highlighted recent steps taken by her administration. On April 21 she announced 20 percent discounts on city-owned parking lots and equipment, reduced fees at sites such as Griffith Observatory, and the reopening of the Central Library for filming.

She also appointed Steve Kang as the city’s film liaison last August. Raman has called for expanding the state’s $750 million tax incentive program, streamlining permitting, lowering fees, and creating a dedicated city film office. She stated that Los Angeles is losing productions because the city has made it too difficult for them to remain.

Pratt has criticized the city’s permitting system and described the need to revive the industry. Pamala Buzick Kim, co-founder of the group Stay in LA, said the mayor can work with the City Council to address local barriers even though state and federal tax credits remain the primary driver of production decisions.