On-location filming in LA rises

The latest figures from FilmLA highlight a rise of 2.4% in on-location filming during the first quarter of 2018 compared to a year ago.

In all, 9,724 shoot days (SD) were logged during the period with on-location feature production up nearly 12% at 814 SD.

“It is exciting to see increases in high job-producing categories in film and television production,” says FilmLA president Paul Audley.

“The California tax credit program is sustaining the industry in our region and demonstrates how critical it is for a continuation of the program.”

Incentivised projects – those which had been attracted by the tax credit scheme - contributed 20 percent (161 SD) in the feature category in the first quarter. In the first quarter of 2018, these included Captain Marvel and Destroyer.

Captain Marvel was one of seven films under California’s incentive program with a budget over $100m and is the first Marvel project to film in the state since Captain America: Winter Soldier in 2014.

Despite a 7.4% (3,623 SD) decline in the television category overall, TV pilots saw a 22% increase, to 272 SD. TV dramas filming on location rose 4.4%, to 1,044 SD. Incentivised TV drama projects contributed 50.3% (525 SD) in the category in the first quarter.

On-location commercials production rose 10% in the first quarter of 2018, to 1,633 SD.

“This report confirms what below-the-line-workers across Los Angeles are already experiencing – film and television production is booming,” said Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti.

“Each new production means more good-paying jobs and a healthier economy for everyone. L.A. is the creative capital of the world, and we’re going to keep it that way.”

Photo FreeImages/Chad Littlejohn.