Nonprofit Says Los Angeles Filming Production Significantly Rose in August

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The nonprofit FilmLA reported today that film operations have been increasing since the industry was shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since June, FilmLA said it has received approximately 1,127 film permit applications from 829 unique projects. Monthly application intake increased nearly 40% in August as compared to July, and daily intake now averages around 27 applications per business day.

After rising quickly in mid-August, overall activity levels have stabilized at around 44% of what FilmLA said it would expect under normal summer conditions.

“As an essential contributor to the greater Los Angeles economy, film production responsibly returning to our communities is a welcome sight,'' FilmLA President Paul Audley said. “Of course, as Gov. (Gavin) Newsom and public health experts remind us, COVID-19 will be with us for a long time. We are therefore mindful of the public health orders governing current filming practices and grateful for filmmakers' conscientious embrace of crew and community safety on all permitted productions.''

After receiving the go-ahead from local authorities to begin processing film permits, FilmLA said it resumed remote office operations on June 15.

Limited filming activity was underway in the region by June 19, and currently, all 16 of the city and county jurisdictions served by FilmLA are open to filming, the organization stated.

One of the six school districts served by FilmLA has also reopened to host filming and base camp parking on campus.

In terms of work happening on-location, the advertising industry (still photography and commercials) remains prominent with a 52% share of local permit requests.

Meanwhile, scripted, unscripted and web-based television content together represent the next-largest share of August permit activity, at 18%, FilmLA stated.

Music video production now accounts for 11% of permits. By all available indicators, the expected September pick-up in scripted television production will deliver more increases and additional work opportunities for Angelenos in the weeks ahead, according to FilmLA.

FilmLA's COVID-19 Resource Center, available at www.filmla.com/covid-19, lists the areas served by FilmLA and their current filming availability. This 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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