[NoHo Arts District, CA] – By a unanimous vote of the entire 15-member body, the City Council voted unanimously today to approve a motion by Councilmember Adrin Nazarian (District 2) designed to keep film, television and commercial production in Los Angeles.
“This motion is focused on revitalizing local film production, streamlining the City’s permitting process, making it more efficient and less bogged down by bureaucracy,” said Councilmember Nazarian at a rally on City Hall steps after the vote. “It also aims to increase access to City-owned property for filming and prevent price gouging that drives up everyday production costs. More production means more jobs for L.A. families, and the communities where they live and shop. Keep Hollywood home!”
“Every lost production means fewer jobs for hardworking families,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez. “Thank you to Councilmember Nazarian for leading on this critical issue. Together, we’re fighting to keep the heart of our creative economy right here in Los Angeles.”
”Councilmember Nazarian’s motion to keep film production in Los Angeles by cutting through bureaucratic red tape and streamlining inefficiencies is critically important to the hardworking film and television crews who make this industry possible,” said actress Yvette Nicole Brown. “In recent years, we’ve seen production leave our city, and jobs and opportunities leave with it. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to break into this industry and build a sustainable career. The dream of moving to Los Angeles is the hope of working in Los Angeles. That’s why it’s essential we support Councilmember Nazarian’s efforts to protect these jobs, uplift working-class professionals, and ensure that Los Angeles remains the entertainment capital of the world.”
Nazarian’s motion calls for reducing regulatory obstacles and making the city more competitive with other locations in the United States and abroad. It directs the City’s Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), and all relevant departments to report back on adjustments to City fees, permits, parking and security requirements for location shooting, filming on City-owned property and certifying new sound stages.
“This motion speaks to something deeply personal for so many of us. It’s about protecting the soul of Los Angeles,” said Brigitta Romanov, President of the Costume Designers Guild, IATSE, Local 892. “It’s getting harder to make a living in this business –not only because we’re working less, but because the system productions work within has become too costly, too complex, and too out of reach for many productions. This motion is a crucial step towards reversing that.”
“Too many hardworking film crew members are out of work, and this motion is a critical step towards bringing good union jobs back to Los Angeles,” said Alex Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of Laborers International, Local 724. “Reviving local production not only helps workers — it also supports the small businesses that keep our neighborhoods thriving.”
“Los Angeles is the creative capital of the world – yet far too many productions are taking projects elsewhere,” said Nella McOsker, President and CEO of the Central City Association. “We must streamline permitting, reduce unnecessary fees, and offer additional incentives in our fight to keep this industry and its thousands of jobs here. Councilmember Nazarian’s motion is a win for the hard working Angelenos and local businesses whose livelihoods are tied to film, television, and entertainment.”
As a State Assemblymember, Adrin Nazarian authored AB 2936 to expand statewide production tax credits. Although the State legislature is still considering expanded credits, the City of Los Angeles, with its vast pool of talent, experienced workers, and superior facilities can act now to make sure our city remains the motion picture capital of the world.
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