L.A. County Board of Supervisors Unanimously Votes to Streamline Local Filming Processes

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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on Tuesday, designed to eliminate red tape for movie-makers and ready the area for the advent of innovative entertainment production methods.

The board wholeheartedly approved a series of actions, such as a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s film permit system and a partnership with the Sheriff’s Department to expedite deputy hiring for film sets. A motion spearheaded by supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath further aims to define circumstances under which fire safety experts are required on set, reflecting the efforts of local authorities to revive film and television production in Southern California.

Going beyond the initial adjustments, this proposal encourages us to consider actions that our county can take in readiness for a future creative landscape. It suggests investigating collaborations with external investors on an “Evergreen Fund” valued between $80 million and $100 million. This fund would primarily aid new technological start-ups within the film and television sector. Moreover, it advises us to examine the possibility of establishing a technology-focused production facility. Such a facility could serve dual purposes: hosting commercial productions and providing a learning environment for aspiring industry professionals.

The proposal also suggests investigating a temporary halt, lasting one year, on charges for filming at county sites. It recommends the county collaborate with FilmLA to promote a marketing campaign highlighting the advantages of local film production. Additionally, it proposes that parks allow filming during regular operating hours.

A large number of professionals in the entertainment industry are jobless and grappling with unpredictable futures. Given that Los Angeles County is known as the global hub for creativity, it’s crucial for us to take action, Horvath stated on Tuesday. To this end, we’re focusing our efforts on revitalizing our core sector by modernizing outdated permitting processes, cutting expenses, and researching innovative ideas such as a public-private Evergreen Fund and advanced production facilities that leverage technology.

Barger stated that this action aims to “eliminate old-fashioned red tape” and “pour resources into new ideas.

2025 finds me noticing a surge of action from our local officials, all aiming to keep work productions here instead of shifting elsewhere. This trend isn’t new, but the latest figures really drive home its magnitude. As per FilmLA’s most recent report, filming on-location in our L.A. neighborhood dipped a significant 22% compared to last year’s first quarter. What’s more, they’ve shared that soundstage vacancies in the previous year hit record highs.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed the production slump in the industry, and I believe one of the key factors contributing to this is the cost-conscious decisions made by studios and streaming platforms. However, local lawmakers are taking matters into their own hands, focusing on what they can influence: altering the stereotype that Los Angeles is a challenging and expensive city for filming. City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian is leading city initiatives to streamline the film permitting process, while Mayor Karen Bass has instructed L.A. departments to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.

In February, even Los Angeles’ Board of Public Works joined the movement, questioning FilmLA about enhancing transparency when they had the opportunity to renew its contract.

Supporters of local film production who have banded together to aid lawmakers’ initiatives applauded the Board of Supervisors’ decision on Tuesday. The head of a community-based production advocacy group declared that the county’s proposed legislation would help overcome obstacles for commercials and other short-form content. In a statement, Wes Bailey, CEO of SirReel Studios, said, “The $750 million state incentive just signed by the Governor doesn’t assist short-form production. To provide immediate assistance to these projects, which generate countless jobs, we need to lower costs, speed up timelines, and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.

After the wildfires in the L.A. area in January, a team known as “Stay in L.A.” was formed with the aim of restoring film productions to Los Angeles. They recently posted on Instagram asking everyone to maintain the important momentum they’ve started by saying, “Let’s keep the vital energy flowing.

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2025-07-16 03:55