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Can Raman Rescue LA's Fading Film Scene?
6 Nov
Summary
- Mayor-elect Raman vows to expand LA's film office.
- Film shoot days in LA dropped 4.8% year-over-year.
- Raman aims to cut fees and simplify permits for shoots.
Nithya Raman is set to become the 44th mayor of Los Angeles next month, inheriting a city facing numerous challenges, including the ongoing decline of film and TV production. Raman's campaign focused on addressing this issue, promising to expand the city's film office and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for productions.
Despite state incentives bringing animation projects back to L.A., on-location shooting days in the city fell by 4.8% in the third quarter, and are 29% below the five-year average. Raman aims to reverse this trend by working with FilmLA and the city council to simplify permit processes and reduce associated fees.
Her platform also includes establishing a full film office within City Hall to improve coordination with other government agencies. Raman will also advocate for expanded state production incentives and lobby Sacramento for greater competitiveness against other filming hubs.
Recent reforms include free permits for microshoots and reduced fees for city-owned lots. Raman faces the task of balancing these initiatives within the city's $14 billion-plus budget, particularly as the local government recovers from a fiscal emergency. She will continue efforts with the city council's committee on production flight.
