Film and television production became easier and cheaper in Los Angeles last month under an incentive supported by the Directors Guild of America.
With the backing of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, on July 25 the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would eliminate “use fees” for production at most city-owned facilities and property, saving production companies up to thousands of dollars per day. As outlined, the waiver will benefit the city by creating more jobs and “easing any barriers to entry” that production companies face in shooting film and television projects in the city. The measure also sends a message that the city is a “film friendly” place to shoot, which is especially important given the increasing number of other cities and states that have joined foreign countries in offering incentives to attract production away from Los Angeles. The ordinance amends the city’s Administrative Code to waive the fees through at least June 30, 2010. For more information about this and other issues related to production in the City of Los Angeles contact the FilmL.A. Production Planning Resource Team at locinfo@filmlainc.com or (213) 977-8600.
