FilmLA has issued the fifth update regarding production returns, stating that filming applications increased by 23.7% between September and October. Despite the spike, filming in Los Angeles is 47% of normal production levels this time of year before the coronavirus pandemic. “As Los Angeles welcomes more episodic series and feature films back to production, we are grateful to local producers, crew, and vendors for their adherence to safe filming practices,” Paul Audley, President of FilmLA, said. “To push past our current production plateau with full community support, we need to continue to focus on keeping our workplaces safe.”
FilmLA now averages around 40 new applications per business day. New applications over the last three weeks increased by 4.8%. In the prior weeks, however, it was up by 10%. FilmLA’s average rate of business growth has slowed, with a17-20 new application intake reflecting a 4.8% increase. Over the last 20 weeks since June when on-location film production was able to start up again in Los Angeles, the film office has received approximately 2,565 film permit applications for 1,967 unique projects, an average of 160 unique titles per week, a 54% decrease compared to Q3 of 2019.
In terms of on-location work, the advertising industry, including still photography and commercials, remains prominent with a collective share of 44% for local permit requests, according to FilmLA. Production of Television content represents the next-largest share of recent permit activity, at 25 percent. The expected October pick-up in scripted television production did occur; local Reality TV production (6 percent of requests) was eclipsed by TV Drama production at 10% request for the first time since June. Feature production currently comprises around four percent of permit activity.
Some of the content scheduled for shooting in October include CBS's "NCIS," ABC's "The Rookie," and Showtime's "Shameless." Selected streaming series include Dear White People (Netflix), Big Shot (Disney+), Made for Love (HBO Max), and Rutherford Falls (Peacock).
Feature films that shot locally include "Soggy Bottom" and commercials that filmed locally last month represent brands such as Instagram, Uber, Subaru, and Citibank, among others.
As Los Angeles welcomes more episodic series and feature films back to production, we are grateful to local producers, crew, and vendors for their adherence to safe filming practices. To push past our current production plateau with full community support, we need to continue to focus on keeping our workplaces safe.” Paul Audley President, FilmLA
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