Hollywood Pushes for More LA Productions After Wildfires
Hollywood, long the heart of the global entertainment industry, is now seeing fewer productions in Los Angeles than ever before. With tax incentives in places like Georgia, Canada, and the UK, many filmmakers have taken their projects elsewhere.
The recent wildfires, which killed at least 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes, have made things worse. Now, industry leaders, actors, and lawmakers are pushing for a revival of LA-based productions to help rebuild the local economy.
Why Has Hollywood Left LA?
For years, LA has been losing productions to cities like Atlanta, London, Toronto, and Sydney due to:
✅ Lower production costs in other regions
✅ Generous tax incentives elsewhere
✅ High labor costs in LA due to union protections
The problem became even worse after COVID-19, labor strikes, and the end of the streaming boom, forcing many production crews to look for cheaper alternatives.
The Wildfires Made It Worse
Industry professionals were already struggling, but the devastating wildfires created an economic and personal crisis.
🔥 Mark Worthington, a production designer who lost his home in the fires, says:
“The best thing the studios could do for fire relief is to bring work back for the rank and file LA film workers.”
Before the fires, LA filmmakers had adopted the grim mantra:
“Survive until ’25.”
Now, with homes and studios reduced to ash, the future looks even more uncertain.
Hollywood’s Response: Is It Enough?
🎥 Major studios and streaming services have donated over $70 million to fire relief efforts.
🎭 Awards season events have been turned into fundraisers instead of lavish parties.
But many say this isn’t enough—Hollywood needs actual productions to return.
Vin Diesel, star of the Fast & Furious franchise, is leading the charge:
📢 “LA really, really, really needs production to help rebuild,” Diesel said in an Instagram post.
Universal Studios has confirmed that the next Fast & Furious movie will finish filming in Los Angeles, a win for the local industry.
Can Tax Incentives Save Hollywood?
Nearly 20,000 industry professionals, including actors like Keanu Reeves, Zooey Deschanel, and Kevin Bacon, have signed a petition urging lawmakers to boost LA’s film incentives.
🎬 Director Sarah Adina Smith, co-founder of the “Stay in LA” movement, warns:
“If we let Hollywood die, it could be for good.”
🔹 Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed increasing California’s film tax credit from $330M to $750M to compete with places like Georgia and Australia.
🔹 “Stay in LA” wants the cap lifted immediately to keep productions in the city.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has vowed to “make Hollywood great again,” appointing actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as “special ambassadors” to support the film industry.
Is Hollywood’s Golden Age Over?
While some believe incentives can save LA’s film industry, others are less optimistic.
🎵 Composer Matthew Ferraro, who lost his home and music studio in the fires, says:
“I think it’s wishful thinking for people who are still in love with yesteryear’s dream of Hollywood.”
But not everyone is giving up.
🎭 Jamie Morse, a comedian whose home burned down, remains hopeful:
“Whether they’re performers or studio execs—people love this city.”
Her comedy journals survived the fire, and she sees it as a sign to keep going.
“I’m choosing to believe that this is a sign… There will be beautiful, creative things to come out of this very, very crappy time.”
Will Hollywood Stay in LA?
✅ If California increases its tax incentives, more productions might return.
✅ If studios listen to A-list actors, we could see a shift.
✅ If creatives continue to fight, LA’s film industry may survive.
But without real action, Hollywood risks becoming a shadow of its former self.
Related Links:
- External Source: BBC Coverage
- Internal Source: More on Film & Entertainment
