Hollywood, often referred to as Tinseltown, has long been the epicenter of the entertainment industry. However, recent trends show a shift in filming locations away from Los Angeles to cities like Atlanta, London, Toronto, and Sydney.
Factors such as lower labor costs and more favorable tax incentives have drawn producers away from the iconic City of Angels for years. The devastating wildfires, claiming lives and homes, have further exacerbated this trend, prompting a call for increased local production support.
Mark Worthington, a production designer who lost his home in Altadena, emphasizes the importance of bringing work back to LA for the benefit of local film workers. The decline in production activities in the city, compounded by challenges like the pandemic and labor disputes, has prompted many producers to seek cost-saving measures by relocating productions elsewhere.
Statistics from ProdPro reveal a significant decrease in US productions last year compared to previous levels, while countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada have seen an increase in filming activities.
The absence of major productions in LA is seen as a blow to the city’s identity, with even iconic figures like the Red Hot Chili Peppers finding their biopic being filmed outside of their hometown.
Despite efforts by Hollywood studios and streaming services to support fire relief efforts through donations and fundraisers, there is a growing demand for a commitment to film more productions in LA. However, business decisions in the industry are primarily driven by financial considerations rather than the welfare of workers in a specific location.
While studios may prioritize the involvement of A-list actors, advocates like director Sarah Adina Smith are pushing for temporary incentives to encourage more filming in LA County and support the local industry’s recovery.
The city of Los Angeles plans to use its emergency powers to enhance tax incentives over the next three years, aiming to reduce the costs associated with filming in LA and to aid in the recovery of the city. Additionally, they are pushing for studios to commit to producing 10% more projects in Los Angeles.
Ms. Smith stresses the importance of bringing production back to LA to stimulate economic growth and rebuild the city. Governor Newsom had already proposed a significant increase in the state’s tax credit for film and TV productions shot in California before the fires, from $330 million to $750 million annually. However, this proposal still needs approval from the state legislature and may not take effect until the summer.
Governor Newsom argues that these incentives are beneficial for the economy, citing that California’s program has generated over $26 billion in economic activity and supported over 197,000 jobs across the state. If approved, California’s subsidy would be among the most generous in the US, second only to Georgia, which has no cap on the amount it provides to productions each year. Stay in LA is pushing for the removal of the cap immediately.
President Trump has expressed his intentions to revitalize Hollywood with the help of actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, appointed as “special ambassadors” for the industry. The current trade uncertainties caused by the Trump administration have made Hollywood studios apprehensive, with some turning to Canada due to its favorable economic conditions.
Mr. Worthington, a production designer, and his partner Ms. Elliott, a film editor, visited the remains of their home, reflecting on the aftermath of the fires. They expressed regret for not salvaging their belongings during the evacuation, noting the regrowth amidst the devastation. Though critical of tax breaks being perceived as corporate welfare, Mr. Worthington acknowledges their necessity for LA to remain competitive in the global market.
Stay in LA’s co-founder, Ms. Smith, draws parallels between the decline of Hollywood and the fall of Detroit, emphasizing the importance of preserving the industry’s legacy. However, some are skeptical that incentives alone can usher in a new era for Hollywood, as evidenced by composer Ferraro’s emotional reaction to the loss of his home and belongings.
In a separate incident, artist Jamie Morse’s home in Topanga Canyon was also destroyed by the fires. The community, known for attracting creatives and dreamers, faced a setback as Morse, who recently quit her job to pursue her artistic endeavors, grapples with the uncertainty of her future in LA.
In the heart of Hollywood, amidst the chaos and devastation of recent events, one woman stands resilient, dedicated to her craft and hopeful for the future. Meet Ms. Morse, a talented comedic writer and performer who, despite the challenges she faces, continues to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
As she navigates through the ups and downs of life in LA, Ms. Morse finds solace in her work, pouring her heart and soul into her comedy writing and performances. Her passion for her craft is unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
When asked about the difficult circumstances she finds herself in, Ms. Morse responds with a laugh, acknowledging the irony of the situation. She admits to grieving alongside her fellow Angelenos but chooses to remain optimistic about the days ahead.
“People in this city, whether they are performers or studio executives, have a deep love for Hollywood,” Ms. Morse reflects. Despite her current living situation, which sees her rotating between crashing at friends’ homes and sleeping in her car with her loyal dog, she remains committed to chasing her dreams.
Reflecting on the items she hastily grabbed when forced to evacuate, Ms. Morse recalls a bittersweet memory of leaving behind a Toronto Blue Jays T-shirt that held sentimental value from her beloved grandfather and her roots in Canada. Amidst the wreckage, she is surprised to find that some of her cherished notebooks and journals, containing her comedy writing, have miraculously survived.
In the midst of destruction and loss, Ms. Morse finds hope in the resilience of her work. “Where stone tables lie shattered and melted, my pieces of paper endure,” she muses. The survival of her creative endeavors amidst chaos leaves her pondering the hand of fate at play.
Is this a mere coincidence, or a sign that she is destined for success in Hollywood? Ms. Morse chooses to interpret the survival of her work as a hopeful omen. “I believe this is a sign,” she asserts. She looks towards the future with optimism, anticipating the birth of new, beautiful creations emerging from the ashes of despair.
In a city known for its glitz and glamour, Ms. Morse’s story shines a light on the resilience and determination that define Hollywood’s unsung heroes. Through her unwavering commitment to her craft and her refusal to be daunted by adversity, she embodies the spirit of perseverance that is synonymous with the entertainment industry.
As she continues to navigate the challenges of her current circumstances, Ms. Morse remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who dare to dream in the City of Angels. Amidst the rubble of destruction, she sees a canvas on which to paint a brighter, more vibrant future—a future filled with laughter, creativity, and endless possibilities.
In Ms. Morse’s eyes, the devastation that surrounds her is not the end but a new beginning, a chance to rise from the ashes and create something truly extraordinary. And as she stands amidst the chaos, her laughter echoing through the streets
