As film and TV production flee Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has issued a desperate executive order to lure them back—while taxpayers brace for a $750 million bill.
At a Glance
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to reverse a 22.4% drop in local film and TV production
- The order reduces city staffing on film sets and grants cheaper access to iconic filming locations
- Critics say LA’s progressive policies pushed production out to states like Georgia and Texas years ago
- California lawmakers are weighing a $750 million expansion of film tax credits despite a $68 billion state budget deficit
The Great Hollywood Escape
After decades of hemorrhaging production to lower-cost states, Los Angeles is trying to woo Hollywood back. Mayor Karen Bass’s executive order promises to “revitalize the local film and television industry” by reducing bureaucracy and cutting filming fees. Productions will now require only one city staffer on set—unless additional oversight is formally justified.
Too little, too late? From January to March, on-location filming in LA dropped 22.4%. TV dramas fell nearly 39%. Comedies? Down 30%. This isn’t a sudden dip—it’s a nosedive, following years of overregulation, rising costs, and crime-ridden streets turning film sets into war zones.
Regulation, Then Relief?
Bass’s order touts “easier” filming at iconic spots like Griffith Observatory—but it comes after years of policies that made LA inhospitable to film crews. Once requiring multiple fire marshals and police officers per shoot, LA’s permitting process has long been an industry punchline. Bass’s solution? Slash red tape she helped create and call it progress.
Watch a report: Mayor Bass Signs Film Industry Directive.
The directive aligns with California’s broader strategy: a proposed expansion of film tax credits to $750 million—up from $330 million—even as the state faces a historic budget deficit.
Taxpayer-Funded Blockbusters?
Councilman Adrin Nazarian says the city is “hearing the cry of the film and television industry loud and clear,” but many argue it’s a cry LA caused. High taxes, crime, and bureaucracy drove the industry out. Now Sacramento is offering a $750 million taxpayer-funded band-aid to try to lure it back.
And it’s not just about business. Middle-class Californians are fleeing the state in record numbers. With inflation high, taxes crushing families, and public services strained, is another Hollywood handout the best use of taxpayer dollars?
The Credits Roll on California’s Credibility
Mayor Bass’s order might stabilize some shoots temporarily, but the long-term fix will require more than symbolic gestures. If LA really wants Hollywood to stay, it’ll need to address the root issues—tax reform, deregulation, and a serious response to crime and homelessness.
Until then, film crews will keep heading east. After all, what studio executive wants to fight red tape, risk theft, and pay $5 a gallon just to shoot a sitcom? If Los Angeles doesn’t rewrite the script, this may be Hollywood’s final act in the city that made it famous.
