Hollywood
Hundreds of crew members, actors, producers, and other industry professionals gathered on Sunday to urge California legislators to boost tax incentives and implement additional measures to revive film and TV production in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
The rally, which took place at a local soundstage, was a call to action to reverse the ongoing exodus of production to other states, something that has increasingly threatened the heart of the entertainment industry.
The event drew a wide range of Hollywood workers, including costume designers, set builders, musicians, business owners, and producers. Among the attendees was Joely Fisher, an actor and secretary-treasurer of the SAG-AFTRA actors union, who rallied the crowd with the chant: “Make Hollywood Hollywood again.”
Many of the workers wore T-shirts emblazoned with a quote from The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home,” signaling their desire to bring production back to Los Angeles.
After the strikes by writers and actors in 2023, workers had hoped for a recovery in the city’s production activities. However, the comeback has been slower than anticipated.
Advocates for the industry are now calling for Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed expansion of California’s film and TV tax credits, which would increase the credits from $330 million to $750 million annually. While the proposal has received support, many at the rally also pushed for additional measures, such as simplifying the permitting process for production companies.
Sarah Adina Smith, a filmmaker and organizer of the “Stay in LA” campaign, made it clear that urgent action was needed. She warned, “California needs to stop taking Hollywood for granted. If we don’t stop the bleeding, Los Angeles is at risk of becoming Detroit.” Smith expressed concerns that the city’s iconic film industry, once a staple of American culture, was rapidly losing ground.
Speakers at the rally highlighted the impact of reduced production on middle-class workers, who form the backbone of the industry but are often overshadowed by wealthy celebrities.
They pointed out that fewer productions are taking a toll on local businesses, such as caterers, dry cleaners, and other service providers that rely on the industry for their livelihoods.
Songa Lee, a violinist with 25 years of experience in film scores, spoke about the shrinking opportunities for musicians. Lee noted that her work opportunities on union productions in Los Angeles had decreased from roughly 30 a year to fewer than 10.
“Musicians across the globe moved to L.A. because there was always the idea that you could actually have a decent living,” she said, expressing concern that without work in Los Angeles, talented professionals may begin to look elsewhere for opportunities.
The rally was a powerful reminder of the profound impact that the decline in film and TV production has on local economies and creative industries. With more support and investment, advocates hope to restore Los Angeles as the world’s premier destination for film and television production, keeping its rich cultural legacy intact for future generations.
