On-location filming in Greater Los Angeles fell sharply over the summer, according to new data from FilmLA, the nonprofit that oversees local film permitting.
Between July and September, Los Angeles recorded 4,380 shoot days, marking a 13.2 percent decline from the same period last year. The drop affected nearly every production category — from television to commercials — as the local industry continues to recover from recent work stoppages and shifting audience demand.
“While this quarter’s numbers show a slowdown, there are reasons for optimism,” said Philip Sokoloski, FilmLA’s Vice President. “We’ve already begun to see early signs that California’s new incentive-backed projects are taking hold. Productions are calling, permits are being pulled, and the groundwork is being laid for a rebound.”
FilmLA’s report highlights the role of California’s expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program, signed into law this year by Governor Gavin Newsom. The program aims to keep productions from leaving the state amid growing competition from more than 120 domestic and international jurisdictions offering their own incentives.
So far, 22 projects have been approved for the state’s new round of tax credits — including 18 television series expected to film in the Los Angeles area. Those productions have 180 days to begin shooting, meaning their impact should appear in FilmLA’s data later this year.
While overall production declined, feature films saw a modest uptick, rising nearly 10 percent from the same period in 2024. Independent features such as Animals, Misty Green, and You Can’t Be Happy were among those shot locally.
Television, however, faced the steepest declines. The report found that TV shoot days dropped by more than 20 percent, driven largely by a sharp fall in reality programming. Ongoing series that filmed locally included 9-1-1 (Fox), Criminal Minds (CBS), Bel-Air (Peacock), and Shrinking (Apple TV+).
Commercial production also dipped nearly 18 percent, with fewer ad campaigns shooting locally for brands like McDonald’s, Toyota, and American Express.
Sokoloski emphasized that the film office and city partners are working to make Los Angeles more production-friendly.
“LA’s creative industry is too important to let go without a fight,” he said. “We’re listening to what filmmakers need and working with city leaders to remove barriers so production can thrive here again.”
Despite the short-term dip, FilmLA’s report suggests Los Angeles could see a turnaround as new incentive-backed projects move from pre-production to set. For now, industry observers say the coming months will be a key test for whether the state’s renewed investment in Hollywood can keep cameras rolling close to home.
One of the areas expected to grow in the coming years and months is vertical shorts. Heather breaks it all down on Gary and Shannon in a special segment on The Gary and Shannon Show.
Listen to Heather’s full conversation with Philip Sokoloski on Entertain Me with Heather Brooker.
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