Television series filming in L.A., taking advantage of tax credit programs, could benefit bringing the entertainment industry home to Hollywood<\/p>\n
Film and television production leaving Los Angeles has been a hot-button issue for years now, as California lawmakers have struggled to create incentives for filmmakers equal to those of foreign countries.<\/p>\n
Under the current tax credit program, relocating TV series are eligible for a 40% tax credit, and independent films, feature films and new TV series are eligible for 35%. Applications for tax credits for television series closed Wednesday, and with current tax credits amounting to $750 million a year, California hopes to bring production back to Hollywood\u2019s home.<\/p>\n
Why has production been leaving L.A.?<\/strong><\/p>\n Filming in L.A. is not economically beneficial to filmmakers who encounter issues with regulations and high labor costs. Baywatch, for example, which is filming in L.A. this summer, ran into issues with being able to park their trucks overnight or drive on the sand, according to Variety<\/a>.<\/p>\n Even when a show is set in L.A., oftentimes it will be shot in other states or even in other countries where films can be made more affordably. According to Variety, labor costs in L.A. are higher due to the cost of living and unionization of workers, as studios must pay for healthcare, making the U.S. less competitive with countries like the U.K., which have national healthcare.<\/p>\n What shows are still shooting in L.A.?<\/strong><\/p>\n In addition to Baywatch, some other television series filming in L.A. include the latest seasons of the fittingly named I Love L.A., Abbott Elementary, The Pitt, Running Point, St. Denis Medical, The Studio and Nobody Wants This.<\/p>\n The Studio was originally pitched to Apple with the intention of shooting in L.A., James Weaver, president of Point Grey Pictures, which produces the series, told Variety. According to Variety, The Studio received a $13 million tax credit for season two. By keeping production in L.A., these shows are giving back to the city that drives the industry.<\/p>\n Scroll to continue reading<\/p>\n