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The Call to Rebuild: Staying Alive in L.A. Until ’25

The Struggle and the Resilience

“Stay Alive till ’25.” This phrase emerged as a rallying cry for an industry grappling with the exhausting aftermath of COVID-19, a slew of strikes, and a palpable sense of collective despair. Faced with these unprecedented challenges, individuals from all corners of the entertainment sector have come together, forging a bond that reflects their shared struggle.

Rebuilding Hope and Community

In the wake of this turmoil, words like “We Can Rebuild” became a beacon of hope for countless writers, drivers, vendors, actors, electricians, costumers, builders, location managers, production assistants, union members, caterers, small business owners — all of whom have been battered by the relentless waves of economic hardship year after year. The once-vibrant hubs of the film industry now stand at a precipice, as jobs evaporate and streaming platforms reconfigure the landscape, leading to lost opportunities and waning aspirations.

As we entered the year ’25, the meaning of “rebuild” took on a far more urgent and expansive significance; the focus shifted to restoring not only the physical spaces of lost homes, playgrounds, schools, and shops but also the intangible threads that bind our communities together. These are the lost landmarks that once hosted jubilant Fourth of July parades and summer barbecues, the businesses that formed the marrow of our neighborhoods, the families that laid the groundwork for a promising future – all of these contributed to the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. Beyond these rebuilds, we face a profound need to restore a sense of purpose that has been overshadowed by despair.

The Myth and Reality of Hollywood

Los Angeles has long been steeped in the mythology that speaks of dreams as a currency; it is the place where aspiring creators come with a dollar in hand and ambition twinkling in their eyes. Hollywood is not merely a geographic location; it embodies an aspiration, a realm where dreams converge and take flight. However, while we may take for granted that this glittering epicenter of the entertainment industry will remain unshaken, we must remember that it is the production itself — a collaboration of craftspeople, artists, technicians, and laborers — that truly fuels Hollywood’s creative engine.

While the allure of Hollywood persists, the truth is that if we neglect the very backbone of production, we risk losing not just the community but also the deep well of multi-generational knowledge that fosters high-level innovation. This knowledge, akin to mineral-rich soil, is not easily replicated once it has dissipated. Los Angeles does not need to maintain a monopoly on dreams, as we have witnessed flourishing film communities across the country and the globe. However, if we reduce our city’s narrative to mere boardroom strategies and glamorous premiere events, we undermine the essence of creativity that thrives when collaboration flourishes.

The Urgency of Action

Since launching the “Stay in L.A.” petition on January 23, the urgency of bringing production back to Los Angeles has driven us to understand the measures necessary for making our city film-friendly once more. The challenges are stark; we are aware that L.A. will face immense competition from nations that offer cheaper labor, socialized healthcare, and other attractive incentives. However, we hold steadfast in our belief that reasonable improvements can generate significant change.

Take New York as an example. Its incentive programs may not sparkle as brightly as those in Georgia or Louisiana, but they provide just enough encouragement for producers to consider filming there when it suits the story. Shouldn’t we also support efforts to ensure Los Angeles remains competitive enough to attract productions willing to authentically portray its narrative? Below are a few achievable goals that could help pave the way forward:

Concrete Proposals for Progress

1. Support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Initiative: Advocate for an increase in the budget cap on incentives to $750 million and urge him to temporarily lift the cap in L.A. County for three years, to aid in rebuilding efforts after disastrous fires ravaged our communities.

2. Educate Legislators: Convey to lawmakers in Sacramento that enhancing the incentive program is fundamentally about job creation. This isn’t merely a “corporate handout.” The film and TV sector has grappled with a staggering 12.5% unemployment rate as of August, the highest for that month since at least 2000, excluding pandemic-related figures.

3. Enhance Tax Incentives: Increase the tax incentive for both films and television shows to a minimum of 30%. For productions with budgets under $10 million, offer an additional 5% to foster the development of independent cinema in California.

4. Postproduction Funding: Back a bill that allocates funds for postproduction support without requiring filming to occur in-state. Other regions, including New York and the U.K., have seen their postproduction industries thrive under similar initiatives.

5. Shortform Production Support: Consider introducing legislation specifically targeting the commercial and music video sectors, both of which have experienced significant declines. For many crew members, shortform productions serve as vital supplementary income.

6. Shooting Restrictions: Lift barriers for shooting in public spaces and outdoor locations in L.A., following the example set by New York’s successful program. Additionally, a temporary reduction of permit fees and changes in notification requirements could alleviate some operational burdens.

7. Film-friendly Initiatives: Encourage neighborhood councils to establish film-friendly corridors and provide property tax reductions to residents who engage in such initiatives.

8. Utilize Underused Properties: The city and county could offer little-used properties as free “base camps” for productions, accompanied by a user-friendly map highlighting these locations.

9. Tax Relief for Productions: Consider waiving or deferring city taxes on productions, and develop a city ordinance that temporarily caps location fees, combating price gouging and facilitating more affordable shooting opportunities.

10. Commitment from Studios and Streamers: Just as critical, studios and streaming platforms need to pledge their commitment to filming more frequently within L.A. County, thereby underscoring their dedication to rebuilding our community in the aftermath of fires.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In tackling this multifaceted issue, navigating the legal language surrounding industry regulations, incentives, and legislative measures can be overwhelming. This is where the AI legalese decoder comes into play. This innovative tool demystifies complex legal jargon, allowing stakeholders — from producers to lawmakers to union members — to understand the nuances of the proposals and their implications. By breaking down legal language into accessible terms, the AI legalese decoder empowers individuals to advocate more effectively for policies and initiatives that will rejuvenate the film community, while ensuring their voices are heard in the critical conversations that decide the future of production in Los Angeles.

Unity for a Shared Purpose

Many producers express skepticism, suggesting that these proposals may be too little, too late, and others contend that achieving consensus among lawmakers will be a herculean task. Nonetheless, a wealth of personal stories shared among us reminds us that abandoning hope for L.A. is simply not an option. In this industry, much like on a film set, collaboration is key — every individual, every company, and every union member has a role to play in making the seemingly impossible attainable.

Revitalizing production within Los Angeles represents more than just financial influx; it symbolizes a reclamation of purpose. It generates jobs, fuels businesses, and rekindles hope and aspirations within our community. It pays it forward, creating a cycle of possibility that endures well beyond individual projects.

If you find yourself affected by the decline of production in California, we urge you to sign the petition at stayinla.org. Let’s unite in our efforts to do what we do best — collaborate and craft a narrative that reflects our shared journey. Together, we can revive and sustain the dream that is Hollywood.

Julie Plec is a writer/showrunner/director who has produced nearly 500 episodes of television, notably within The Vampire Diaries franchise. Her current project is Amazon’s We Were Liars.

Sarah Adina Smith is an independent filmmaker and DGA award-winning television director. She most recently directed several episodes for HBO’s Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

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