FilmL.A.–the not-for-profit organization that coordinates permits for filmed entertainment shot on location in the City of Los Angeles, unincorporated parts of L.A. County and other local jurisdictions–reported that overall on-location filming declined 14.3 percent for the third quarter of 2009 as compared to the same quarter in 2008. There were 9,680 permitted production days (PPD) in July through September ’09 compared to 11,300 PPD tallied during the same period in ’08.
However, bucking that downward trend was activity on the feature film and commercialmaking fronts. For the latter category, which had seen four straight quarters of double-digit losses, there were 1,215 PPD in the third quarter of this year in Greater Los Angeles, a 10.2 percent increase over the 1,103 PPD registered from July through September ’08.
Even with that improved performance, location shoot days for commercials are still down 21-plus percent in ’09 when stacked up against ’08.
“Gains for the beleaguered industry sector are a welcome occurrence, because commercial production is such an important contributor to our local economy,” said Paul Audley, president of FilmL.A. “We hope this uptick is a bellwether of an improving national economy.”
As for the feature location lensing increase, the upswing was 25 percent-plus in Q3 ’09 versus the same three-month stretch in ’08. This marks the first time the feature filming category has not suffered double-digit losses in five straight quarters. Still, the third quarter ’09 gain must be viewed in light of last year’s drastically diminished feature production in the third quarter, after major studios had rushed to complete films ahead of a June 30, ’08 labor contract expiration. And even with a significant improvement this past quarter, features are still 37.4 percent down year-to-date as compared to the first nine months of ’08.
The TV category and all its subcategories reflect on-location filming in decline during the third quarter of ’09. Television production went down 21.4 percent this past quarter versus the same stretch in ’08. The subcategories’ quarterly losses spanned dramas (down nearly seven percent), sitcoms (a decrease of almost 48 percent), reality TV (down 20 percent) and TV pilots (a decrease of nearly 26 percent).
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pieโs production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
โWe believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,โ said Heller. โBy blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.โ
โWorking with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,โ shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. โWarm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.โ
โThe first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,โ Heller observed. โHaving worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.โ Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletopโs brisk international... Read More