LA's Shrinking Share
FilmLA's latest Scripted Content Study reveals the stark reality: only 18.3% of scripted projects released in 2024 were filmed in Greater LA — down from 21.9% in 2022.
As recently as the late 1990s, that share was well over 50%. The erosion represents decades of gradual decline, accelerated by the post-COVID landscape where producers have more flexibility to go anywhere.
FilmLA's report authors note bluntly: "There are far fewer film projects being made in Los Angeles than there were in the recent past."
Projects That Left California
Of projects that applied but failed to secure a California tax credit, nearly 60% ended up filming out of state.
The Tax Incentive Wars
Other states and countries offer substantial incentives that can cut production costs by 20-40%.
| Location | Credit/Rebate | Annual Cap | Key Productions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Up to 30% | Uncapped ($1.3B+ issued) | Marvel, Stranger Things, Walking Dead |
| New York | Up to 30% | $700-800M/year | Law & Order, Blue Bloods |
| New Mexico | 25-35% | Moderate | Netflix studio hub, Better Call Saul |
| New Jersey | Up to 35%+ | Growing | West Side Story (2021) |
| UK | 25% (uncapped) | None | House of Dragon, Mission: Impossible |
| Canada | 20-30% + exchange | Provincial | The Boys, Yellowjackets |
| California | 20-25% | $330M → $750M by 2025 | Various (competitive process) |
Georgia: The New Hollywood
Georgia has emerged as a behemoth thanks to its extremely generous film tax credit (up to 30%) with no annual cap.
In fiscal year 2023, Georgia granted a jaw-dropping $1.3 billion in tax credits, representing about $4+ billion in direct production spending in the state.
This translates to hundreds of productions — from Marvel movies at Trilith Studios to countless TV series. By some measures, Atlanta now hosts more top-100 grossing films per year than Los Angeles.
- Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta) has dozens of soundstages
- Experienced local crew base has grown substantially
- IATSE Local 479 (Atlanta) membership has swelled
Georgia's 2024 Tax Credit Pool
Reported credits issued in 2024 alone — nearly 4x California's entire expanded program.
Global Production Shift
Roughly 60% of Netflix's and Amazon's new commissions in H1 2024 were outside North America, as they chase international audiences and cost efficiencies.
California's Response
Recognizing the threat, California moved aggressively in 2022-2025 to expand its film tax credit:
The new Program 4.0 also:
- Expands eligibility to streaming series
- Increases credit percentage for relocating TV series
- Allocates $150M for new soundstage construction
- Directs more money toward independent films
The first projects under boosted credits must start shooting by January 2026.
Bipartisan Support
"We are the thousands of middle-class workers who pay taxes, own our homes, and raise our families in California."
— IATSE testimony to CA Legislature"Ultimately, this study reveals little that California's creative community does not already understand on a personal level... There are far fewer film projects being made in Los Angeles than there were in the recent past."
— FilmLA Scripted Content Study, 2024The Brain Drain Risk
The dispersal of production means work is available in many places, but it's diluted. Crew may have to travel or even relocate to chase jobs.
There are now pockets of Hollywood crew enclaves in Atlanta, Albuquerque, and beyond. California's worry is a brain drain — once talent sinks roots elsewhere, it's hard to lure them back.
LA Times reported in mid-2024 on Hollywood workers leaving Los Angeles due to lack of work and high living costs.
Will Incentives Work?
The next 1-2 years will test whether California's expanded incentives can stem the bleeding. Key questions:
- Will studios bring significant projects "home" to utilize the credit?
- Will rival states respond with even juicier deals?
- Can LA reclaim share, or merely stabilize at ~20%?
- Will the cost of living in LA continue to push workers away?
Realistically, we're unlikely to return to the era when almost every show was LA-shot. The genie is out of the bottle.