Location Filming Numbers Stay Flat in Q3

On-location filming permits saw no noticeable increase in the third quarter when compared to the same period from a year ago, according to recent numbers released by FilmL.A. Inc. The not-for-profit agency that coordinates location filming for television, feature films and commercials logged 9,713 permitted production days between July and September. For the same period in 2009, the agency recorded 9.680 permitted production days. FilmL.A.’s numbers do not include filming taking place on studio soundstages. The agency coordinates location filming in the city and county of Los Angeles, other municipalities and school districts. Feature films and television work declined in the third quarter, while commercial filming on location increased by 22 percent over the third quarter in 2009. The drop in feature films was expected as the state had less money to provide tax credits for productions that stay in California as it did in 2009. The credits applied toward income, sales and use taxes first became available in 2009 and resulted in a noticeable increase in feature filming, which had been steadily dropping in the area for years. In its first year, the incentive program gave financial assistance to 73 films and television series. The program will expire after five years. “We hope the state will recognize the program’s ability to create jobs and will give the program renewed funding and life beyond its pending expiry,” said FilmL.A. President Paul Audley. Mark R. Madler