Written by new-contact on Aug 20, 2012. Posted in On Location

Los Angeles County loses majority of upcoming TV dramas

The exodus of television projects from Los Angeles County seems set to continue for another year. Just two of the 23 new drama productions being launched by US networks in the coming months will film in Los Angeles.

Most of American television’s studio-based comedies are still based in Los Angeles, but dramas that need more location-based filming are moving elsewhere. More generous TV filming incentives in other parts of the US are thought to be a major factor behind the continuing production decline in Los Angeles.

Paul Audley is President of FilmLA and spoke to the LA Times: “The reality is, as long as Sacramento continues to balk at having real incentives we’re going to continue to lose the most lucrative forms of television and film production. We’re losing tens of thousands of jobs to New York.”

As long as Sacramento continues to balk at having real incentives we’re going to continue to lose the most lucrative forms of television and film production.

Paul Audley, FilmLA

Kevin Klowden is Director of the California Center at the Milken Institute and also spoke to the outlet: “The loss of hour-long dramas is very significant. This is the heart of television production. If this continues, you’re going to see a direct impact on the employment base of Los Angeles.”

FilmLA figures from July revealed that while TV drama production is disappearing, features and commercials are surging. Feature production rose nearly 10% in the second quarter of 2012, while commercial production rose nearly 30%.