Wildfires threaten to accelerate Los Angeles exodus

Los Angeles

The recent wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles have brought not only physical destruction but also intensified challenges for the city’s struggling film and television industry. With over 12,000 structures destroyed across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena, the blazes have scattered thousands of industry workers, raising fears that an already declining local production landscape could face further erosion.

Acclaimed cinematographer and director, Rachel Morrison, summed up the collective sentiment of many in Hollywood in a widely shared Instagram post: “One of the biggest things you can do to help our city is to shoot here. We have some of the best crews in the world who need work now more than ever.”

Her plea comes amid an unprecedented slump in Los Angeles-based production, compounded by the pandemic, the 2023 strikes, and now the wildfires. The city, long considered the heart of the entertainment industry, has been losing its grip as productions migrate to more affordable and incentive-rich locations like Georgia and Canada.

Devastation and Displacement

The wildfires have dealt a particularly harsh blow to the tight-knit communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades, home to many below-the-line crew members. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) estimates that at least 8,000 members were displaced, with 25 members losing their homes entirely. An Excel spreadsheet circulating within the industry lists over 200 GoFundMe campaigns for affected crew members.

“I think the fires are going to exacerbate an already growing trend of people leaving Los Angeles,” Dutch Merrick told THR, a veteran armorer and prop master who lost his Altadena home. “This might be the tipping point for many who were already considering relocating to cheaper and more stable areas.”

Economic Fallout: Insurance and Housing

The fires have also highlighted challenges in housing and insurance. With thousands displaced, the rental market in Los Angeles is seeing a surge in demand. Steven Moritz, a real estate agent, reported to THR that homes previously leased for $7,500 now command offers of $15,000 or more. This bidding frenzy is pricing out many displaced renters, exacerbating the city’s housing crisis.

Insurance costs for productions are also expected to rise. Wildfire season in Southern California is no longer confined to a few months of the year, creating year-round risks that insurers must factor into their policies. Independent productions, which already face tight budgets, are likely to feel the brunt of these increased premiums.

“Productions may find it harder to get insured or see premiums rise so much that it impacts their ability to secure financing,” Kirk Pasich, an insurance lawyer explained to THR.

The Role of Tax Incentives

As Los Angeles faces these mounting challenges, attention is turning to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to expand California’s film and TV tax credit program from $330 million to $750 million annually. The plan aims to level the playing field with competing jurisdictions that offer more generous incentives. However, many in the industry argue that additional reforms are needed, such as allowing tax relief on above-the-line costs like salaries for actors and directors.

“It’s about making the numbers work,” said Susan Sprung, chief executive of the Producers Guild of America. “What L.A. offers in terms of talent and infrastructure is unmatched, but budgets need to align with other regions.”



Hope Amid the Ashes

Despite the devastation, some in the industry remain optimistic. The major soundstages in Los Angeles have been largely unaffected, allowing several productions, including Hacks (Max), NCIS (CBS), and Suits LA (NBC), to resume filming.

Lindsay Dougherty, a top official at IATSE Local 399, believes that displaced crew members are committed to rebuilding their lives in Los Angeles. “I think they’re going to want to rebuild their community,” she said. “There’s a sense of resilience here.”

The wildfires have served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Los Angeles’ entertainment industry. Whether through tax incentives, community rebuilding, or renewed commitments to local production, the city’s ability to retain its status as Hollywood’s hub will depend on addressing the economic and logistical hurdles brought to light by this tragedy.

As the old Hollywood adage goes, the show must go on—but it may need a new script to do so.


FilmLA’s yearly report shows hope for L.A. production despite 5.6% decline


Los Angeles

The recent wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles have brought not only physical destruction but also intensified challenges for the city’s struggling film and television industry. With over 12,000 structures destroyed across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena, the blazes have scattered thousands of industry workers, raising fears that an already declining local production landscape could face further erosion.

Acclaimed cinematographer and director, Rachel Morrison, summed up the collective sentiment of many in Hollywood in a widely shared Instagram post: “One of the biggest things you can do to help our city is to shoot here. We have some of the best crews in the world who need work now more than ever.”

Her plea comes amid an unprecedented slump in Los Angeles-based production, compounded by the pandemic, the 2023 strikes, and now the wildfires. The city, long considered the heart of the entertainment industry, has been losing its grip as productions migrate to more affordable and incentive-rich locations like Georgia and Canada.

Devastation and Displacement

The wildfires have dealt a particularly harsh blow to the tight-knit communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades, home to many below-the-line crew members. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) estimates that at least 8,000 members were displaced, with 25 members losing their homes entirely. An Excel spreadsheet circulating within the industry lists over 200 GoFundMe campaigns for affected crew members.

“I think the fires are going to exacerbate an already growing trend of people leaving Los Angeles,” Dutch Merrick told THR, a veteran armorer and prop master who lost his Altadena home. “This might be the tipping point for many who were already considering relocating to cheaper and more stable areas.”

Economic Fallout: Insurance and Housing

The fires have also highlighted challenges in housing and insurance. With thousands displaced, the rental market in Los Angeles is seeing a surge in demand. Steven Moritz, a real estate agent, reported to THR that homes previously leased for $7,500 now command offers of $15,000 or more. This bidding frenzy is pricing out many displaced renters, exacerbating the city’s housing crisis.

Insurance costs for productions are also expected to rise. Wildfire season in Southern California is no longer confined to a few months of the year, creating year-round risks that insurers must factor into their policies. Independent productions, which already face tight budgets, are likely to feel the brunt of these increased premiums.

“Productions may find it harder to get insured or see premiums rise so much that it impacts their ability to secure financing,” Kirk Pasich, an insurance lawyer explained to THR.

The Role of Tax Incentives

As Los Angeles faces these mounting challenges, attention is turning to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to expand California’s film and TV tax credit program from $330 million to $750 million annually. The plan aims to level the playing field with competing jurisdictions that offer more generous incentives. However, many in the industry argue that additional reforms are needed, such as allowing tax relief on above-the-line costs like salaries for actors and directors.

“It’s about making the numbers work,” said Susan Sprung, chief executive of the Producers Guild of America. “What L.A. offers in terms of talent and infrastructure is unmatched, but budgets need to align with other regions.”



Hope Amid the Ashes

Despite the devastation, some in the industry remain optimistic. The major soundstages in Los Angeles have been largely unaffected, allowing several productions, including Hacks (Max), NCIS (CBS), and Suits LA (NBC), to resume filming.

Lindsay Dougherty, a top official at IATSE Local 399, believes that displaced crew members are committed to rebuilding their lives in Los Angeles. “I think they’re going to want to rebuild their community,” she said. “There’s a sense of resilience here.”

The wildfires have served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Los Angeles’ entertainment industry. Whether through tax incentives, community rebuilding, or renewed commitments to local production, the city’s ability to retain its status as Hollywood’s hub will depend on addressing the economic and logistical hurdles brought to light by this tragedy.

As the old Hollywood adage goes, the show must go on—but it may need a new script to do so.


FilmLA’s yearly report shows hope for L.A. production despite 5.6% decline