Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
Nithya Raman Unveils Plan to Revitalize Los Angeles Film Industry: Indian American mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has outlined a comprehensive strategy to revive Los Angeles’ struggling film and television sector, aiming to reverse the steady exodus of productions from the city long considered the heart of global entertainment.
The Kerala-born councilmember’s proposal, released Tuesday, calls for the creation of a dedicated “LA Film Office” within the Mayor’s Office to provide centralized leadership and streamline support for the industry. Raman emphasized that bureaucratic delays and complex permitting processes have made Los Angeles less competitive compared to other states and international filming destinations.
“Los Angeles is losing Hollywood—not because productions want to leave, but because we’ve made it too hard for them to stay,” Raman said.
Her announcement comes amid a notable downturn in production activity. Data cited in her proposal indicates that on-location shoot days in Los Angeles dropped by more than 22% in the first quarter of 2025, while television production has declined by 58% from its 2021 peak.
Raman’s five-point plan focuses on reducing red tape, accelerating permits, and restructuring fees to make them more accessible, particularly for independent filmmakers. It also includes advocating for the removal of the $750 million cap on California’s film tax credit program, arguing that more aggressive incentives are necessary to compete with other jurisdictions actively courting Hollywood projects.
Once a $30 billion economic engine for California, the entertainment industry has lost approximately 40,000 jobs in recent years, according to figures referenced in the proposal. Raman warned that without immediate intervention, the decline could have long-term consequences for the region’s economy and workforce.
Drawing on her background as an urban planner and former executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment, Raman said her approach prioritizes both economic growth and worker sustainability. Her plan specifically targets the “missing middle” of independent productions, aiming to create a more balanced ecosystem that supports both large studios and smaller creators.
Raman released the proposal ahead of the June 2 mayoral primary, where she is challenging incumbent Karen Bass. Framing the issue as one of economic urgency, she underscored the broader impact on local communities.
“This is about protecting the livelihoods of thousands of L.A. families,” Raman said. “We must make the success of our local productions a priority again.”
