TV PRODUCTION ON THE RISE IN L.A.
FilmL.A. has released new on-location film production statistics for the third quarter of 2014. FilmL.A.’s latest report revealed a repeat of the growth trend identified a quarter earlier in the TV production category. Regional on-location television production increased 31.1% in the third quarter as compared to the same period the prior year, totaling 5,363 permitted production days (PPD).
Nearly all TV subcategories posted increases in the third quarter. TV dramas saw an increase of 43.2% with 1,408 PPD, TV reality rose 49.2% to 2,019 PPD, Web-based TV went up 12.3% to 401 PPD, and TV pilot production rose 40.8% to 138 PPD. TV sitcoms, which make up a small portion of television filming days, declined 29% for the quarter to 367 PPD.
California’s current film incentive contributed to the local TV drama numbers. Last quarter, state-qualified television projects in L.A. included Rizzoli & Isles, Pretty Little Liars, Major Crimes, Perception and Legends.
Regional on-location theatrical feature production dropped 4% in 2014 compared to the same quarter last year with 1,881 PPD. In the third quarter, state incentivized projects contributed 157 PPD and accounted for 8.3% of feature activity. Recent state-qualified feature projects in L.A. include Straight Outta Compton, Never Leave, Scouts vs Zombies, Into The Further and The Perfect Guy.
“While we are still trying to reclaim our share of television production, we’re encouraged by dramatic television producers’ interest in filming in Los Angeles,” said FilmL.A. president Paul Audley of the report. “With the new [California filming incentive] tax credit taking effect next July, we see strong potential for growth in local TV work ahead.”
ADDITION TO THE LENSING TOOLBOX: DRONES
FilmL.A. is in discussion with permit approvers regarding the implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s ruling to allow the restricted use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—or “drones”—on film and television shoots involving a select group of six aerial photo and video production companies.
The FAA granted the regulatory exemptions as the first step to allowing the film and television industry the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System. The FAA will permit the use of unmanned aircraft under the stipulation that all associated safety issues be carefully considered and hazards are properly mitigated.
The FAA ruling applies specifically to exemption requests made by six companies: Astraeus Aerial, Aerial MOB, LLC, HeliVideo Productions, LLC, Pictorvision Inc, RC Pro Productions Consulting, LLC dba Vortex Aerial, and Snaproll Media, LLC. According to the FAA, another 40 requests for exemptions are pending.
NJ FILM TAX CREDIT BILLS AMENDED
New Jersey Assembly Bill 2474 and Senate Bill 779–which were introduced in February and January, respectively–have been amended (info from Cast & Crew Entertainment Services, LLC).
The bills now propose to revise the film tax credit program as follows: Increases the existing credit from 20 to 22% for qualified production expenses purchased from businesses located in or for services performed by residents of an Urban Enterprise Zone; ups the annual cap from $10 million to $50 million per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) for the film production tax credit and from $5 million to $10 million per FY for the digital media production tax credit; requires applicants to enter into a partnership with a 4-year public institution of higher education to provide industry employment opportunities for students enrolled in media and fine arts programs; modifies the definition of “film” to include a feature, TV series, or a TV show of 22 minutes or more that is intended for a national or regional audience including, but not limited, to a game show, award show, or other gala event filmed and produced at a nonprofit arts and cultural venue receiving state funding; requires principal photography to commence the earlier of 180 days from the date of the original application or 150 days from the date of the application’s approval; and extends the program’s sunset date through July 1, 2022.
