
As the calendar flips to 2025, FilmLA’s annual report paints a nuanced picture of the entertainment industry’s recovery and resilience in Greater L.A. The numbers reflect a region grappling with post-strike adjustments, runaway production, and environmental crises, but also highlight areas of promise, particularly in feature films and scripted dramas.
A Year of Mixed Outcomes
Despite a 6.2% surge in production during the fourth quarter, with 5,860 shoot days (SD), the overall annual output in 2024 fell 5.6% compared to 2023, totaling 23,480 SD. This makes 2024 the second least productive year on record, eclipsed only by 2020, when COVID-19 brought the industry to a standstill.
Paul Audley, President of FilmLA, acknowledged the challenges, “As we await signs of continuing business growth in 2025, it is important to recognize that no aspect of life in Greater Los Angeles is unaffected by recent fire events and the heartbreaking loss of lives, homes, businesses, and cherished community spaces.”
Let’s start with the bright spots. Feature film production was a standout, growing 82.4% in Q4 to 589 SD, driven by independent projects and the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which contributed to 19.2% of quarterly activity. Annual production in this category rose 18.8%, although it still trails its five-year average by 27.6%.
Scripted TV dramas doubled their annual output compared to 2023, with Q4 production reaching 528 SD. The tax credit program supported 19.5% of this activity. While significant gains were made, the category remains 36.6% below its five-year average.
Commercial production rose 2.3% in Q4 but showed a slight annual decline of 1.7%. Compared to its five-year average, the category is down 33.3%, reflecting fewer opportunities for Los Angeles-based commercial producers.
However, once a cornerstone of Los Angeles production, reality TV saw its ninth consecutive quarter of declines. The category dropped 45.7% in Q4 to 774 SD and finished the year down 45.9% at 3,905 SD—43.1% below its five-year average.
FilmLA’s “Other” category, which includes still photography, student films, documentaries, music videos, and industrial shoots, grew 6.1% in Q4 to 2,912 SD. Annual totals remained steady at 10,154 SD, matching the prior year.
Wildfire Impact
Adding to the year’s challenges, devastating fires swept through Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes and displacing communities. The Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena were hit particularly hard, with filming in affected areas paused as crews prioritized safety.
“Permit application volume dropped about 80% during the fires,” noted Phillip Sokoloski, FilmLA’s VP of Integrated Communications. “While studio lots are regaining activity, on-location shoots in evacuation zones may take longer to resume.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed expansion of the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, from $330 million to $750 million annually, offers hope for revitalizing the industry. FilmLA, alongside Mayor Karen Bass and industry coalitions, supports the initiative, which could provide a significant boost to local production.
Sokoloski, however, remains optimistic, “Los Angeles is open for business. We’re here to help filmmakers access locations and get back to work quickly.”
As 2025 begins, the industry in Los Angeles stands at a crossroads. While production remains below historic averages, initiatives like the expanded tax credit program and an increase in feature and scripted drama production suggest that brighter days lie ahead for California’s signature industry.
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