LOS ANGELES, CA – A new report reveals a significant downturn in Los Angeles’ signature film and television production industry, coinciding with the premiere of a major new series that prominently features the city as a character. Amidst this challenging economic climate, California lawmakers are intensifying efforts to boost tax incentives to retain and attract production.
According to a comprehensive report released in April by FilmLA, the first quarter of 2025 saw a notable decline in on-location production activity across Greater Los Angeles compared to the same period in 2024. The report indicated an overall drop of 22.4%. Television production was particularly hard hit, experiencing a substantial 30.5% decrease, while feature film activity fell by 28.9%.
Understanding the Impact
This significant downturn is attributed by industry analysts and the FilmLA report to a confluence of factors, primarily global production cutbacks and escalating increased competition from other regions. Jurisdictions across the United States and internationally are increasingly offering aggressive tax credits and incentives, making them more attractive locations for studios and production companies seeking to manage costs.
The ripple effects of this decline extend beyond the studios, impacting a vast ecosystem of support businesses and workers, including crews, equipment suppliers, caterers, and local businesses in neighborhoods where filming typically occurs. Los Angeles, long synonymous with the entertainment industry, faces a critical challenge in maintaining its status as a premier production hub.
“Countdown” Showcases Los Angeles Amidst Decline
Against this backdrop of shrinking production, the new Prime Video action series “Countdown” stands out. The series, which premiered its first three episodes on June 25, 2025, is not only set but also extensively filmed in Los Angeles. It is highlighted for its deliberate effort to feature the city’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks, effectively making Los Angeles a prominent character in the narrative.
The show is created by Derek Haas, known for his work on hit television dramas. The series stars Jensen Ackles as LAPD detective Mark Meachum, who finds himself recruited to a secret task force. This task force is charged with investigating the mysterious murder of a Department of Homeland Security agent, an inquiry that quickly uncovers a larger, more ominous threat to the city itself.
The cast of “Countdown” also includes notable actors such as Eric Dane, Jessica Camacho, Violett Beane, Uli Latukefu, and Elliot Knight, contributing to the show’s portrayal of a city under pressure.
Political Response: Boosting Tax Credits
The stark figures from the FilmLA report have further fueled urgency among California lawmakers to address the competitive disadvantage faced by the state. Efforts are underway to revamp and significantly increase the incentives available to filmmakers and television producers.
Chief among these initiatives is a push championed by California lawmakers and notably supported by Governor Gavin Newsom. The proposal aims to substantially increase the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. The current program stands at $330 million, a figure many argue is insufficient to compete with the incentives offered elsewhere.
The proposed increase seeks to elevate the program’s allocation to a significant $750 million. Proponents argue that this substantial boost is necessary to make California more competitive on a global scale, encouraging studios to choose Los Angeles and other California locations for their projects, thereby stimulating job growth and economic activity in the state.
Governor Newsom and other proponents stress that retaining production is not just about economic benefits but also about preserving the identity and cultural heritage of Los Angeles as the global center of entertainment.
The Path Forward
The fate of Los Angeles’ film and television production landscape hinges significantly on whether these legislative efforts can effectively counter the trends of global production cutbacks and intense international competition. While series like “Countdown” offer a glimpse of Los Angeles vibrant on screen, the economic reality reflected in the FilmLA report underscores the urgent need for policy interventions.
The proposed expansion of the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program is seen as a critical step, but the industry’s recovery and long-term stability will likely depend on a combination of competitive incentives, continued investment, and the ability of Los Angeles to adapt to the evolving global production market.
