Location Filming Dipped in August, But FilmL.A. Sees Uptick in Fall

During August, FilmL.A. processed about 44 percent of the number of on-location filming applications it would expect under normal summer conditions. The Hollywood nonprofit that coordinates location film permits in Los Angeles, unincorporated Los Angeles County and other jurisdictions handled 1,127 film project applications from 829 different projects through Aug. 30. Film and television production resumed in mid-June after being shut down since March due to the coronavirus. Many of the projects have been for commercials and still photography for advertising, accounting for 52 percent of local permit requests, FilmL.A. said. “Meanwhile, scripted, unscripted and web-based television content together represent the next-largest share of August permit activity, at 18 percent. Music video production now accounts for 11 percent of permits,” the organization said in a release. “By all available indicators, the expected September pick-up in scripted television production will deliver more increases and additional work opportunities for Angelenos in the weeks ahead.” Currently, all 16 jurisdictions served by FilmL.A. are open to filming, while Los Angeles Unified School District, one of six school districts it serves, is open to filming and base camp parking on campus. The other school districts are closed to filming. President Paul Audley said film production is an essential contributor to the greater Los Angeles economy, and it was good to see its responsible return. “Of course, as Gov. Newsom and public health experts remind us, COVID-19 will be with us for a long time,” Audley said in a statement. “We are therefore mindful of the public health orders governing current filming practices and grateful for filmmakers’ conscientious embrace of crew and community safety on all permitted productions.”