Yesterday, FilmL.A., which is the official film office of the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and other jurisdictions, announced via press release that on-location filming in the Los Angeles area has increased by 9.5 percent. This increase has happened in the third quarter, compared to the same period last year.

According to the press release, "The California Film and Television Tax Credit Program has helped support local Feature production since 2009.  State-qualified Feature projects generated 107 PPD this July through September – comprising 5.5 percent of the category’s quarterly total.  State- qualified Feature projects in L.A. included Best Man, Jersey Boys, Kitchen Sink, OT Beach and Ride."

However, the increase has to be looked at within context, as film production in the Los Angeles area is not at the same level as it used to be. In the 1990s, the amount of production coming out of the area was much higher than it is today, where filming in other states has contributed to a decrease in local film production in L.A.

“Any increase in local production is cause for celebration, as long as we don’t lose sight of the big picture,” said FilmL.A. President Paul Audley in a press release. “California has yet to match and overcome out of state competition for this business.”

Audley continued, saying “For feature film production to be where it once was and should be in L.A., production would need to increase by 125 percent.  Until Sacramento acts to level the playing field, we won’t see the kind of growth and prosperity that California families are counting on.”

Producers and distributors in Hollywood often work within a established system, contributing to production of many films that seem similar. Check out John Rhodes' post, "Why All Hollywood Movies Seem The Same."