Stats Show On-Location Filming Sliding in Q2, But Feature Production is Up

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - On-location filming in greater Los Angeles slid 5.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year, but feature-film production went up, according to a report released today.

Although overall filming was down in the quarter, FilmL.A. -- which manages filming activity in the area -- noted that on-location feature production was up for a second consecutive quarter.

There were a total of 8,978 shoot days logged during the period, including all filming categories tracked by the nonprofit.

“We are grateful for the continued positive impact of the California Film Tax Credit as it boosts employment and production in greater Los Angeles,” FilmL.A. President Paul Audley said. “While TV drama is down quarter-to-quarter, much of that is due to the production cycle of these shows which went on hiatus during the second quarter. Increases in feature film, commercials and TV comedy production are very good news for the region's economy.”

Projects benefiting from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program contributed 11.3 percent, or 136 of the 1,184 shoot days, in the feature film category. Those features included “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Captain Marvel” and “Bumblebee” and “Wine Country”, directed by Amy Poehler and backed by Netflix.

Television production declined 15.1 percent to 2,953 shoot days in the second quarter. Among the TV categories, comedies posted the only increase, rising 23 percent or 470 shoot days. Projects that received the California Film and TV Tax Credit included “I'm Dying Up Here” and “Ballers.”

“The California Film and Television Tax Credit program has proven to be a vital tool against runaway production. And it is delivering results for the men and women who are the heart and soul of our entertainment industry and middle class -- the people who swing the hammers, drive the trucks, run the cable and serve the food on set,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “This report contains good news, but it also shows that L.A. has to stay in the fight to keep jobs and revenue where they belong -- right here, in the creative capital of the world.”

TV pilots remained flat from the same period in 2017 and contributed to 110 shoot days for the quarter. Incentivized TV pilots resulted in eight shoot days during the quarter, including for the project “Less Than Zero.”

TV dramas were down 9 percent to 718 shoot days for the quarter. Incentivized TV dramas accounted for 28 percent of all activity in the category and included “The OA,” “SWAT,” “Strange Angel,” “Snowfall,” “Mayans M.C.” and “Animal Kingdom.”

TV Reality shooting was down 31.6 percent to 879 shoot days, web-based TV was down 14.6 percent to 352 shoot days, and the “other” category -- comprising mostly still photo shoots, student projects and music videos -- was down 7.9 percent to 3,245 shoot days.

On-location commercial production rose 14.2 percent in the second quarter to 1,596 shoot days, and finished 16.8 percent above the category's five-year average.