FilmLA released its 2024 Q2 Los Angeles Film Production Report on July 17, 2024, providing an in-depth look at the state of regional film production activity. The report offers crucial insights into the shifts and trends within the industry, highlighting the impact of various factors on filming across the Los Angeles area.
On-Location Filming Trends
The report revealed a notable downturn in on-location filming during the period from April to June. The total on-location filming decreased by 12.4% year-over-year, resulting in a total of 5,749 Shoot Days (SD). This decline underscores the challenges faced by the industry, potentially reflecting changes in production budgets, shifts in content creation strategies, and the lasting effects of industry strikes.
Feature film production experienced a modest decrease during the same period. Production in this sector fell by 3.3%, totaling 704 SD. This suggests a cautious approach to feature film projects, perhaps influenced by factors such as the increasing costs of production and the shifting landscape of theatrical releases versus streaming platforms. Commercial production also saw a decrease, falling by 5.1% to 817 SD. This sector is often sensitive to economic fluctuations, and the decline may reflect a broader contraction in advertising spending.
In stark contrast, unscripted television production experienced a significant downturn. The data indicates a substantial decrease in reality TV filming, which fell by 56.9% to 868 SD. This dramatic decrease could be attributed to various factors, including changes in audience preferences, shifts in network programming strategies, and a potential saturation of the reality TV market.
Television Production Gains
While some sectors experienced declines, the report highlighted substantial growth within scripted television. TV Drama production witnessed a remarkable surge, rising 98.3% to 714 SD. This explosive growth in TV Drama indicates a robust demand for serialized storytelling, and the continued popularity of streaming services and network television in general. TV Comedy production also experienced significant growth, increasing by 103.6% to 171 SD. This substantial rise indicates a vibrant and growing market for comedic content, potentially fueled by the rise of new platforms and the enduring appeal of the genre. Furthermore, filming for TV Pilots rose by 54.5% to 17 SD, signaling increased investment in new television series.
Streaming Content and Post-Strike Impacts
The report also highlighted the impact of streaming content spending, noting a downward trend. This shift might influence production decisions and investments in future projects. The report emphasizes that the Los Angeles film industry is still recovering from the impacts of post-strike conditions. The ripple effects of industry strikes continue to influence production schedules and overall activity.
Stage-Based Production Analysis
Beyond on-location filming data, the report also examined stage-based production during the first half of calendar year 2023, offering insights into the trends in studio-based projects. This aspect of the report provides a different perspective on filming trends.
On-Location Projects by Streaming Companies
The report also specifically mentions the involvement of streaming companies in on-location projects. Two streaming companies, including Apple Studios with Bubbi and Amazon with Mercy, filmed feature projects on-location, illustrating the ongoing presence of these major players in the Los Angeles filming landscape.
Incentive-Enrolled Television Series
The report also listed several television shows that filmed on-location in Los Angeles during the last quarter. These projects were enrolled in incentives programs, showcasing the role of these incentives in attracting production to the region. The list includes: Forever S1 (Netflix), High Potential S1 (ABC), Matlock S1 (CBS), Orphan S1 (ABC), Paradise City S1 (Hulu), S.W.A.T. S7 (CBS), and The Rookie S7 (CBS). These series represent a cross-section of genres and networks, demonstrating the diversity of content being produced in the area. This list of productions underlines the robust ecosystem of television production thriving in Los Angeles.
