Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
Feature Film Boom Lifts LA Filming Activity Despite TV Decline: Film production activity across the Los Angeles region is showing early signs of recovery, with select categories trending upward in the first quarter of 2026, according to new data released by FilmLA.
The report revealed that on-location filming totaled 5,121 Shoot Days (SD) between January and March 2026, marking a 10.7% increase from the previous quarter. However, activity remained slightly below last year’s levels, with a 3.3% decline compared to Q1 2025.
A key driver of the uptick has been the California Film & TV Tax Credit Program, now in its Version 4.0 rollout. To date, 147 projects have secured tax credits, with several already entering production. Incentivized projects accounted for nearly 7% of total Shoot Days in Greater Los Angeles, including 21.8% of feature film production and 17.1% of television production.
Feature Films Lead the Rebound
The standout performer in Q1 was the feature film category, which recorded 687 Shoot Days, representing a 45.2% increase from the previous quarter and a 52.3% rise year-over-year. Major productions benefiting from state incentives included projects backed by studios such as Searchlight Pictures, Netflix, and Amazon MGM Studios.
Independent films accounted for the bulk of this activity, signaling renewed momentum within the sector.
Television Production Mixed but Improving in Parts
The TV drama segment also posted gains, with 472 Shoot Days, up 40.5% from the previous quarter and 7.3% year-over-year. Popular productions included shows airing on networks such as Fox Broadcasting Company, ABC, CBS, and Apple TV+.
TV comedy production also saw modest growth, rising to 120 Shoot Days, with a notable 38.3% of activity tied to incentivized projects following recent expansions to eligibility criteria.
Despite these gains, overall television production declined, totaling 1,196 Shoot Days, down 4.1% from the previous quarter and 28.4% compared to Q1 2025, reflecting ongoing industry adjustments.
Reality TV Continues Sharp Decline
The reality TV segment remained the weakest performer, dropping to 463 Shoot Days, a 33.7% decline from Q4 2025 and a steep 52.2% decrease year-over-year. Industry data indicates a broader contraction in unscripted content, with U.S. premieres falling significantly since 2022.
Commercial Production Rebounds
Commercial filming posted a strong recovery, reaching 794 Shoot Days, a 35.5% increase from the previous quarter, while remaining largely stable year-over-year. Major brands such as AT&T, Walmart, Chase, and Geico were among those filming in the region.
The category has faced long-term challenges, prompting support for Assembly Bill AB2403, a proposal aimed at introducing dedicated incentives for commercial production.
Optimism with Caution
Commenting on the findings, Denise Gutches, CEO of FilmLA, said the upward trend in key categories offers cautious optimism.
“While it’s still too early to make predictions, the increase in Shoot Days gives hope for a broader rise in production activity and highlights the growing impact of the tax credit program on job creation,” she said.
Gutches also emphasized ongoing efforts to simplify filming processes, including a new Low Impact Permit Pilot Program launched in partnership with the City of Los Angeles to reduce costs and streamline approvals.
Echoing this sentiment, Karen Bass noted that the city is working closely with industry stakeholders to revive local production.
“After years of decline, Hollywood is beginning to turn a corner with more productions and more jobs,” she said, adding that efforts are focused on lowering costs, cutting red tape, and expanding economic opportunities.
While challenges remain, particularly in television and reality programming, the latest data suggests a gradual rebound in Los Angeles’ film and television industry. With increased incentives, policy support, and renewed production activity, stakeholders are hopeful the region can reclaim its position as the global epicenter of filmmaking.
