FilmLA has released a somber update on regional filming activity for the first quarter of 2024. Despite high hopes for a swift return to production following the end of labor work actions in late 2023, the rebound has been slower than anticipated.
According to the partner film office for the City and County of Los Angeles, it took eight to ten weeks for the film industry’s return to production to materialize in 2024. The delayed start to projects pushed many productions into the New Year. However, factors such as runaway production, series cancellations, and planned reductions in content spending have limited industry output and work opportunities.
Local on-location filming saw a decline of 8.7 percent from January through March, with only 6,823 Shoot Days (SD) recorded in the first quarter. Television production experienced a double-digit loss, down 16.2 percent year-over-year, contributing significantly to the overall decline.
Paul Audley, President of FilmLA, expressed disappointment with the slow production rebound, stating, “Unfortunately, production is still slow, and things are not as they were.” Despite hopes for a quick return to normalcy after the holidays, production did not stabilize until March, falling short of expectations.
REELated:
An analysis by FilmLA Research revealed a decrease in the number of cast and crew jobs associated with film permits active in January, February, and March of 2024 compared to the same months in 2023. The decline was most noticeable in January, with 30.6 percent fewer jobs reported.
Television production also saw declines in various categories, including Reality TV (-18.6 percent), TV Drama (-5.5 percent), and TV Comedy (-51.5 percent). However, TV Pilots experienced a significant increase in production, rising by 842.9 percent from the previous year.
Projects qualifying for the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program recorded fewer Shoot Days than usual. Despite this, notable shows such as 9-1-1 Season 7, Bosch Legacy Season 3, and The Rookie Season 6 were among those filmed locally.
Commercial production for television and the web also saw a decline of 9.6 percent in the first quarter, reflecting ongoing concerns about losing production to other jurisdictions. Feature film production experienced a slight increase, rising by 6.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023.
In the “Other” category, which includes smaller shoots such as Still Photography and Student Films, there was a decline of 4.5 percent for the quarter.
Despite the challenges, there were notable projects filmed locally, including commercials for brands like AT&T, Chase Bank, and Geico, as well as feature films such as Beverly Hills Cop 4 and The Cure.
FilmLA’s report underscores the ongoing impact of the post-strike environment on the film industry and highlights the need for continued support to facilitate a full recovery.
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
