Overall Filming Rises 15 Percent in 2010

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. 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. 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