What reforms are Los Angeles proposing to become more "film-friendly"?

The city of Los Angeles is proposing 8 permitting reforms across various departments, including waiving fees for low-impact shoots, ensuring continuity in the LAFD Film Unit, and aligning transportation posting requirements with state minimums.

How will the proposed reforms in Los Angeles impact the film industry?

The reforms aim to reduce unnecessary costs and outdated rules for smaller productions, which often struggle with the high permitting fees in the city. This is expected to have a positive impact on the film industry by supporting a wider range of productions and helping develop the "next generation of crew, producers, and creative talent".

What is the "Stay in LA" group and what is their role in the proposed film industry reforms?

Stay in LA is a group of campaigners who have conducted research and conversations with industry professionals to develop the set of 8 targeted permitting reforms for Los Angeles. The group is spearheading the effort to make the city more "film-friendly" and support productions of all sizes.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Campaigners Unveil Reforms to Make LA More "Film-Friendly"

Campaigners Unveil Reforms to Make LA More "Film-Friendly"

10 Oct

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Summary

Group proposes 8 permitting reforms to reduce costs for small/mid-sized productions
Recommendations span fire, police, parks, transportation, and city council
Aim to maintain public safety while boosting film industry

Campaigners Unveil Reforms to Make LA More "Film-Friendly"

On October 11, 2025, a group of campaigners in Los Angeles unveiled a set of reforms they hope will make the city more "film-friendly". The group, known as Stay in LA, has released eight "targeted" permitting reforms spanning the fire, police, recreation & parks, Department of Transportation, and City Council departments.

The recommendations, which come from 50 hours of on-the-ground research and conversations with industry professionals, are designed to address "unnecessary costs, outdated rules, and structural inefficiencies" that have made it challenging for smaller productions to operate in the city. The campaigners note that while major studios can absorb the high permitting costs, smaller productions often struggle, which has a ripple effect across the industry.

Among the key proposals are a one-year pilot to waive spot check fees for low-impact shoots, ensuring continuity in the LAFD Film Unit, and aligning the Department of Transportation's posting requirements with the state's 24-hour minimum. The group also recommends regular reviews of outdated restrictions and special conditions to strike a better balance between community needs and production requirements.

The campaign has garnered support from various industry figures, including producers, directors, and crew members. With a new state tax credit system poised to bring more work back to California, these reforms aim to position Los Angeles as a more attractive and film-friendly destination for productions of all sizes.

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