Decline in film permits shows Hollywood needs more than tax credits to survive

Karen Bass is bragging about new film and TV tax incentives like a game show host giving out prizes.It’s not working.A new report from the nonprofit FilmLA showed that the number of local shooting days dropped by nearly 13% year to year in the second quarter.The numbers are even more stark over a five-year period — a 36% decline.The Bass-driven incentives are helping, to a degree.

The shooting day tally includes some projects that benefited from the expanded tax credits.But tax credits weren’t enough to stop the steady decline of production in LA.For too many Hollywood studios, the challenges of production at home in LA remain the same, no matter what incentives the city and state offer.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Crime.High gas prices.

Traffic.Tax credits haven’t been enough to battle those combined drags on the production economy.

LA’s unique challenges have pushed studios to produce in other states.Plus, Paramount might be setting up shop in Tennessee sooner rather than later.That’s not to mention local talent fleeing the City of Angels.

Emmy-winning “Lost” producer Javier “Javi” Grillo-Marxuach just announced he’s leaving LA after 33 years, citing intractable issues like the sky-high cost of living and shoddy leadership.And he’s not alone.Others, like veteran director John Stalberg Jr., would love to keep shooting around LA.

The city’s byzantine rules and regulations have made that nearly impossible for the indie filmmaker.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here...