FilmLA, partner film office for the City and County of Los Angeles and other local jurisdictions, has issued an update regarding regional filming activity since the reopening of L.A. County to on-location filming in June.
Over the last 24 weeks, FilmLA has received approximately 3,552 film permit applications spanning 2,514 unique projects. For the first time since production resumed, month-over-month permit volume decreased in November, with application
intake decreasing 7.6 percent to 813 permits (from 880 permits in October). Analysts point to overlapping factors including the 2020 election, the Thanksgiving holiday, and the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for the slowdown. FilmLA’s daily intake is now averaging around 39 new applications per business day.
Examining filming of different types, the advertising industry (still photography and commercials) remains prominent in the queue with a 44 percent combined share of November permit requests. Production of television content represents the next-largest share of recent permit activity, at 29 percent. Feature production currently comprises five percent of permit activity.
“The November decrease in production reflects the ongoing complexity of the moment,” observed FilmLA president Paul Audley. “At this point, progress for production rests, like so many things, on effective community control of COVID-19. The Greater Los Angeles filmmaking community, so fortunate to be able to remain working, continues to be mindful of safe set rules.”
A sample of television shows that started filming in November include The Kominsky Method (Netflix), Colin in Black and White (Netflix), Love Victor (Hulu), Triage (ABC), You (Lifetime), Dave (FX), American Crime Story: Impeachment (FX) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO).
Reality TV shows filming include The Dead Files (Travel Channel), Jay Leno’s Garage (NBC), and American Gangster: Trap Queens (BET).
Approximately 40 feature films began shooting in Greater Los Angeles in November, primarily independents, including To Leslie (BCDF Pictures), He’s All That (Miramax), Jacqfro Productions’ Story of Women and Bow Tie Productions’ Rescue Rangers. The Paul Thomas Anderson movie, Soggy Bottom, was also filming throughout the region last month.
Products and services like Popeyes, Carvana, Pandora, Experian, Loews, McDonald’s and Taco Bell were featured in November commercial shoots.
FilmLA’s COVID-19 Resource Center 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.
