Film production in the greater Los Angeles area has experienced a notable decline, with location shoots dropping by 22% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. This downturn reflects a broader global slump in production and California's ongoing challenges in retaining business against competing regions. Reports indicate that the total number of shoot days fell to 5,295, attributed to widespread cutbacks in the industry. While wildfires in the area were cited as a contributing factor, their impact on local filming levels appears to have been temporary. Industry insiders have expressed concerns that the current trajectory could lead Los Angeles to become the 'next Detroit' in terms of production viability, prompting discussions among stakeholders about the need for tax incentives to bolster the industry.
As a new tally shows plummeting shoot days in Los Angeles, organizers gathered to strategize on ways to get post-production and music incentives included in California's bill to boost the industry. https://t.co/vIugReCR2u
Film and TV work is languishing below 2021-22 levels in many of the states where Hollywood has set up shop. But production has recovered faster in places like Canada, Australia and England https://t.co/DhX1p9lenA Not necessarily a bad thing. Most incentives are wasted money.
L.A.s production woes worsen as soundstages go unused at historic levels. I have never seen it so bad. Most production is no longer in California. https://t.co/yGH1QUoWO9