Encouraging signs for Los Angeles production, with some needed perspective.
FilmLA’s Q1 2026 report shows on-location production up 10.7% from Q4 2025, with gains in features, TV drama, and TV comedy. California’s expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 4.0 is also starting to show up in the numbers.
That’s good news!
But it’s not a full rebound yet. Overall activity remains below last year, and well below the five-year average, and reality/unscripted is still under real pressure.
The takeaway: California is more competitive than it was, especially for the right projects. But every production still needs a careful look at format, qualified spend, labor, timing, infrastructure, and actual net value.
California is back in the conversation. Now the work is getting more projects made here.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/is-production-in-l-a-starting-to-turn-the-corner-1236579313/
https://filmla.com/encouraging-signs-for-la-area-filming-as-select-production-categories-begin-trending-upward/
