How did the 2025 fires impact Hollywood production?

The 2025 fires, along with COVID-19 and strikes, severely disrupted production and led to widespread underemployment for L.A. industry workers.

Are L.A. film workers optimistic about the future?

There is cautious optimism due to recent policy developments and industry efforts, though many workers remain underemployed.

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Hollywood Fights Back: Fires Spark Production Revival

Q: What is the California film and television tax credit program?

It's an incentive program augmented by $420 million in 2025 to encourage film and TV production within California.

8 Jan

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Summary

Industry workers faced setbacks from COVID-19, strikes, and fires.
California's tax credit program was augmented by $420 million.
Despite improvements, many L.A. workers remain underemployed.

Hollywood Fights Back: Fires Spark Production Revival

The Los Angeles film and television industry is navigating a challenging period, marked by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 strikes, and widespread fires. These events severely impacted production and the livelihoods of many industry professionals.

In response, a significant push has galvanized local advocates. A crucial achievement was the $420 million enhancement of the California film and television tax credit program in 2025, following extensive industry lobbying. Additionally, efforts to streamline permitting and reduce production costs are progressing through local government initiatives.

Despite these strides, on-location shoot days in the greater L.A. area saw a 13.2 percent decrease in the third quarter of 2025. Nevertheless, the augmented tax credit program has attracted 119 projects, projected to generate $4.2 billion in economic activity and create 25,000 jobs. Industry leaders express cautious optimism, emphasizing the ongoing need for advocacy and potential federal incentives to fully restore production levels.