Written by Tom Deehan on Oct 19, 2015. Posted in Incentive News

L.A. sees a surge in production after the implementation of new incentives

The number of television shows being filmed in America’s second largest city has increased, largely a result of a new form of incentives that were brought into effect in May 2015, increasing funding from USD100 million to USD330 million.

TV Drama production rose 23.9 percent (to 1,187 SD), TV Sitcom production increased 168.0 percent (to 745 SD), and digital Web-Based TV increased 25.6 percent (to 378SD). TV Pilot production also increased 31.6 percent (to 125 SD).

The incentives in question are based on a ranking system, where productions are assessed for a number of factors, including their likelihood of creating jobs and overall profitability. This system can offer up to 25% in tax credits, and even favours productions that plan on relocating to Los Angeles.

One such television show that has taken advantage of this scheme is the anthology series American Horror Story. For the last two seasons (currently airing its fifth), the show was filmed in Louisiana.

The nature of L.A. as a hub for the entertainment industry also influenced this decision, with 20^th Century Fox TV’s Head of Production commenting on Lady Gaga’s inclusion in the show: "that wouldn't be possible [elsewhere]... we get her for [only so] much time, and that's it... I don't see that happening if you add the travel time to Louisiana."

A press release from Film L.A. explained: “the third quarter of 2015 set a new Shoot Day record for on-location Television production in Los Angeles. The category's 4,308 SD yield is the largest observed in any quarter since 2010... TV Drama production rose 23.9 percent (to 1,187 SD), TV Sitcom production increased 168.0 percent (to 745 SD), and digital Web-Based TV increased 25.6 percent (to 378SD). TV Pilot production also increased 31.6 percent (to 125 SD).”