LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The number of applications filed for filming permits in Los Angeles decreased 7.6% from October to November, the first month-to-month drop since production resumed this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, FilmLA reported today.
Applications totaled 813 in November, compared to 880 in October, according to the nonprofit agency.
FilmLA said analysts have cited some overlapping factors, including the 2020 election, the Thanksgiving holiday and the recent increase of COVID-19 cases, as contributors to the slowdown.
“The November decrease in production reflects the ongoing complexity of the moment,'' FilmLA President Paul Audley said. “At this point, progress for production rests, like so many things, on effective community control of COVID-19. The Greater Los Angeles filmmaking community, so fortunate to be able to remain working, continues to be mindful of safe set rules.''
FilmLA said its daily permit intake is averaging around 39 new applications per business day. Over the last 24 weeks, the agency reported it has received 3,552 film permit applications spanning 2,514 projects.
The advertising industry (still photography and commercials) continued to file the most applications for filming, with a 44% combined share of November permit requests, FilmLA reported.
Television content represents the next-largest share of recent permit activity, at 29%. Feature production currently makes up 5% of permit activity.
A sample of television shows that started filming in November include “The Kominsky Method'' (Netflix), “Colin in Black and White'' (Netflix), “Love Victor'' (Hulu), “Triage '' (ABC), “You'' (Lifetime), “Dave'' (FX), “American Crime Story: Impeachment'' (FX) and “Curb Your Enthusiasm'' (HBO), according to FilmLA.
Reality TV shows filming includes “The Dead Files'' (Travel Channel), “Jay Leno's Garage'' (NBC) and “American Gangster: Trap Queens'' (BET).
About 40 feature films began shooting in greater Los Angeles in November, primarily independents, including “To Leslie'' (BCDF Pictures), “He's All That'' (Miramax), Jacqfro Productions' “Story of Women'' and “Rescue Rangers'' (Bow Tie Productions). The Paul Thomas Anderson movie, “Soggy Bottom,'' was also filming throughout the region last month.
Products and services like Popeyes, Carvana, Pandora, Experian, Loews, McDonalds and Taco Bell were the subjects of November commercial shoots.
FilmLA's COVID-19 Resource Center, www.filmla.com/covid-19 , lists the areas served by FilmLA and their current filming availability.
The page also includes links to resources from film industry organizations and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, including mandatory health orders that apply to filming on location.
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