Los Angeles County supervisors are working on a new initiative called the “Entertainment Evergreen Fund” to support independent film productions with budgets under $1 million.
This proposed grant program aims to provide direct financial assistance to filmmakers who do not qualify for California’s existing state tax credit.
The initiative comes in response to a significant decline in local film production. According to a recent report from FilmLA, the Los Angeles region experienced a nearly 20% drop in feature film shoot days in the second quarter compared to last year. The county hopes that offering grants instead of tax credits will more effectively support micro-budget filmmakers.
Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger are spearheading the effort, which was first introduced in July. The fund is still in the planning stages, with no set dollar amount or committed funding yet. The board is considering a public-private model, with an outside consultant analyzing potential funding sources and cost-sharing options.
The proposal has garnered support from the Indie Film Task Force, led by NewFilmmakers Los Angeles. Larry Laboe, Executive Director of NFMLA, emphasized the importance of grants over tax credits, stating that small budgets often don’t generate enough tax liability for credits to be beneficial. He cited the success of low-budget films like “Obsession,” which was made in Los Angeles for $750,000 and grossed nearly $475 million worldwide, as evidence of the potential impact of such grants.
However, some experts remain skeptical about the economic benefits of film incentives. Patrick Button, an associate professor of economics at Tulane University, noted that these incentives rarely deliver the promised economic stimulus and are often more beneficial for major studios than indie filmmakers.
Despite the challenges, the county is determined to support local filmmakers. Joely Fisher, President of SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local, highlighted the importance of independent productions for the income of union members and the opportunities they provide for emerging talent.
As the county continues to develop the Entertainment Evergreen Fund, filmmakers like Sylvia Ray, who had to shoot her film “The Middle” in Mexico due to financial constraints, hope for a clearer path to support for future projects.
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