After concluding at historically low rates in 2024, production levels in Los Angeles reached a new low last year.
The region documented only 19,694 shoot days in 2025, marking the lowest tally recorded outside of 2020, when filming was paused due to the pandemic, according to the latest report from film permitting office FilmLA released Wednesday. This represents a slight decline of over 16 percent compared to the prior year, as local filming continues to wane since the peaks of 2018. L.A. has not experienced an annual increase in filming levels since 2021, although there are hopes this might change with significant updates to California’s subsidy program for Hollywood.
In a statement, FilmLA spokesperson Philip Sokoloski remarked that the year-end statistics are “disheartening,” yet “not unforeseen.” He encouraged patience, asserting that the office has “consistently projected that the complete impact of the expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program would require time to emerge.”
Following that expansion, the state has awarded filming subsidies to 119 productions. Many of those titles — including Heat 2 — are set to shoot partially in Los Angeles but have not yet commenced filming.
From October to December, production in L.A. recorded 4,625 shoot days, representing an increase of nearly six percent from the prior quarter. Year-over-year statistics reveal a continuing decline in filming activity. Production for TV shows concluded 2025 more than 50 percent below the five-year average. Feature films performed slightly better, experiencing a downturn of over 31 percent during the same period.
California’s modifications to the film and TV tax credit program primarily target television, a long-standing pillar of production in the area. Shorter TV shows, sitcoms, animated programs, and “large-scale competition” series are now qualified for a base credit of 35 percent on eligible production expenses. According to FilmLA, over 17 percent of all projects that filmed in the region last year benefitted from subsidies. More than 31 percent of TV comedies and dramas received tax credits, illustrating the increasing significance of California in sustaining production within the state.
“FilmLA is thankful for the chance to engage with independent filmmakers, labor organizations, and government officials over the past year, exploring various ways to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of filming in the Los Angeles area,” expressed FilmLA CEO Denise Gutches, a veteran office executive who assumed the chief executive role in October. “Several exciting initiatives are underway, and we anticipate seeing film-friendly policies proliferate throughout the region in the upcoming months. It’s time to return production to where it belongs and re-engage our talented, highly skilled entertainment workforce.”
