A seasonal lift across several film production categories arrived too late to satisfy high expectations for 2019, according to new data published by FilmLA. In several key categories–including feature films, TV dramas, TV comedies and web-based TV, on-location production was more robust from October through December than in any of the three quarters prior. Nonetheless, overall production slipped 5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, to 9,839 Shoot Days.
The fourth quarter of 2019 came up short against the same period in 2018, FilmLA analysts say, in part because 2018 Q4 was the most productive period recorded by FilmLA in more than 25 years (totaling 10,359 SD in 2018, compared to 9,839 in 2019).
TV comedy production increased 39.4 percent to 548 SD during the fourth quarter. Web-based TV increased 36.0 percent to 423 SD, and TV pilot production increased 33.3 percent to 64 SD for the period. TV drama production declined 9.7 percent to 1,345 SD, due to fewer shows and fewer production days for recurring shows. Several major recurring series like Ballers, Legion, Strange Angel and The Affair ended production over the past two quarters. TV reality production declined 4.4 percent in Q4 to 1,006 SD.
Overall, on-location TV drama production–a mainstay of the LA film economy–finished the entire year 2.7 percent below 2018 levels (at 4,716 SD), but still 3.6 percent ahead of its five-year category average.
“Whenever we publish new permit data, it raises similar questions,” observed FilmLA president Paul Audley. “Is the state incentive working?’ some ask, and ‘What’s happening with runaway production?’ It’s important to remember that California is locked in a permanent competition against global rivals for film and television projects and jobs.”
“The fact is,” Audley added, “California’s film incentive reliably brings LA around 30 percent more TV drama production, and around 13 percent more feature film production than we would have without the program. Entertainment unions are reporting ample work opportunities for local crews. Soundstage occupancy is high. These are all important considerations when evaluating the health of this business.”
A sampling of recent incentivized television projects includes American Horror Story: 1984, Good Girls, Good Trouble, Lucifer, The Orville, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, The Rookie, This is Us, Untitled Lakers Project, Westworld and Why Women Kill.
Feature film production slipped 2.4 percent to 1,052 SD in the fourth quarter compared to 2018. Nonetheless, Q4 saw Feature film production peak for 2019, as the only quarter in which production did not decline by double digits. The features category is the third largest tracked by FilmLA, in terms of SD volume.
A sampling of recent incentivized feature projects includes: Mainstream and The Little Things.
Commercial production, which is ineligible for incentive support, slipped 7.9 percent in the fourth quarter. The second largest production category tracked by FilmLA, Commercials have struggled throughout 2019 to match 2018’s record yield.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More