Mayor Bass aims to revive Hollywood with new directive for affordable filming in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has taken significant steps to rejuvenate Hollywood by issuing an executive directive aimed at making filming more affordable. This comes in response to a troubling trend where on-location productions in the greater Los Angeles area have declined by over 22% from January to March 2025 compared to the previous year.

The decline in productions has affected various sectors of the industry, from talent to vendors, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Mayor Bass's directive was announced during a gathering with representatives from unions and studios, emphasizing a collaborative approach to tackle the challenges facing the industry.

The backdrop of this initiative includes the economic fallout from the pandemic and the recent strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, which halted productions for approximately seven months. As Hollywood attempts to recover, Bass's directive aims to create a more conducive environment for filmmakers, potentially reversing the downward trend in production numbers.

“We need to make it easier and more affordable to film in Los Angeles,” Bass stated, underscoring her commitment to revitalizing the industry. The directive is expected to provide much-needed support to filmmakers and help restore Hollywood's status as a leading production hub.

Los Angeles Mayor Bass has launched a new directive aimed at revitalizing Hollywood by making filming more affordable and accessible. This initiative comes as on-location productions in the area have dropped over 22% in early 2025, exacerbated by recent industry strikes and pandemic-related challenges.