Los Angeles film and TV production continues its downward spiral, with Filmla reporting a 22% drop in shoot days for Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. Not good news for the freelancers in the UK.
Yes, we know — it’s starting to sound like a broken record. But the data paints a stark picture:
Los Angeles Filming Levels
- 🎥 Overall filming: down 22%
- 📺 TV production: down 30.5% (nearly 50% below the 5-year average)
- 😂 TV comedy: down 29.9%
- 😢 TV drama: down 38.9%
- 🎤 Reality TV: down 26.4%
- 🎞️ Feature films: down 28.9%
- 📢 Commercials: down 2.1%
- 🆕 TV pilots: just 13 shot — the lowest number ever recorded
This is especially concerning for those working in television. Compared to the 2021 post-COVID production peak, filming in L.A. has now fallen by 58%, while soundstage occupancy has dropped from 69% to 63%.
And for anyone hoping that the recent wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena caused this drop in Los Angeles Filming Levels — FilmLA confirms the impact was minimal. This isn’t a blip. It’s the new Hollywood normal.
The industry is clearly shifting. Whether it’s tax incentives in other states, streamer belt-tightening, the strike hangover, or fewer greenlights — the decline in production work in L.A. is now a trend, not an exception.
📉 Let’s hope the next quarter brings a genuine plot twist — and not another headline with the words “historic low.”
🙏 With thanks to Jess Loren for sharing the original FilmLA report and keeping the freelance and creative communities updated on the industry’s vital stats.
