On-Location Filming Rises by 15 Percent over 2009

Unexpected activity in feature film and television production contributed to on-location filming increasing by 15 percent in 2010 when compared to the previous year. There were 43,646 permitted on-location production days in Los Angeles, unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, and other jurisdictions in 2010. In 2009, there were 37,979 permitted on-location production days, according to statistics compiled by FilmL.A., the not for profit agency that coordinates on-location filming. FilmL.A.’s numbers do not include productions done on studio soundstages or in areas where it does not coordinate permitting. Commercial production had the highest increase of the four categories tracked by FilmL.A., going up by 28 percent in 2010. That is an indication the advertising industry is rebounding from the economic slump. “Along with the growing need for video content for marketing communications, the models to fulfill these needs continue to shape this segment of the media landscape, and illustrate the importance of this sector as an important economic influencer in Southern California,” said Matt Miller, President and CEO, Association of Independent Commercial Producers. Incentive program The 8 percent increase in on-location feature film production for the year was attributed to the success of the state’s tax incentive program. Film projects receiving tax credits were responsible for 26 percent, or 1,400 permitted production days. Feature films had a total of 5,378 permitted production days in 2010. The state is in the second year of the filming incentive program, which allocates $100 million annually through the 2013-14 fiscal year. Feature films with a budget up to $75 million, a television movie of the week or miniseries and new cable television series are eligible for the 20 percent tax credit. Television series that had been filming outside the state and then moved to California and independent feature films with budgets up to $10 million are eligible for the 25 percent tax credit. Action by state After years of the entertainment industry criticizing first Canada and then other state for creating filming tax incentives, California lawmakers finally passed their own in 2008. In the first two years the program has been credited with creating $2 billion in spending in the state. The film and television tax credit is one of the ladders to help the state climb out of the fiscal ditch created by pushing away businesses and job, said Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, whose district includes film-friendly Santa Clarita. “Here in the Legislature, we need to use the success of this tax credit as a model for how to stimulate California’s economy,” Smyth said. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create jobs and to continue fostering a healthy environment for production in California.” Television production for the year was boosted by an increase in sitcoms and reality television shows. There was a total of 17,833 permitted production days in 2010, an increased of 12 percent from 2009. – Mark R. Madler