The Los Angeles City Council’s Economic Development and Jobs Committee unanimously approved Councilmember Adrin Nazarian’s nine motions to improve filming conditions, with a few changes. This is a big step forward for the entertainment industry. These programs are meant to fix the rules that are too strict, the fees that are too high, and the permits that are too inconsistent that have made productions leave L.A. The full City Council will look at the proposals as soon as this month.
Nazarian’s plan includes quicker soundstage certification, required compliance reporting on Mayor Karen Bass’ executive order, and an outside review of how the city issues permits. It also makes it easier to get permits for “microshoots” with 10 or fewer people, lowers parking and filming fees on city property to $1, and tries to make sure that permit rules are the same in nearby counties. Changes made police and fire rules easier to understand, but one item on the neighborhood’s “special conditions” list needs more discussion to address community concerns.
Supporters of the “Stay in L.A.” campaign, which started at the grassroots level in early 2025, filled the hearing room with applause. They talked about how job losses and the economy would affect local crews. The Motion Picture Association and entertainment unions, on the other hand, spoke out against the FilmLA audit and asked for microshoot oversight to keep things running smoothly. Nazarian stressed the need for quick action, saying, “We can’t waste any more time” on these problems.
At the hearing, people talked about how hard it is for workers, including layoffs, problems with rent, and personal problems that come from fewer on-location shoots. These changes are in line with Mayor Bass’s “Reel Change” directive. They aim to keep mid-budget productions in Hollywood and protect jobs by making processes easier and costs lower. Changes could happen soon if the full council approves them. This would make L.A. a competitive filming center again.
