News Summary
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has named Steve Kang as the City Film Liaison, a position aimed at aiding film and television productions in navigating city regulations. Kang will work to protect local jobs and improve communication between filmmakers and city officials. His appointment comes amidst concerns over declining production jobs as filmmakers seek better tax incentives elsewhere. The new liaison role emphasizes the commitment to sustaining the local film industry through initiatives like the expanded California Film & TV Tax Credit program.
Los Angeles – Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Steve Kang as the City Film Liaison, a position designed to assist film and television productions in navigating the complexities of filming in Los Angeles. The announcement was made during a private Zoom meeting with members of the mayor’s entertainment industry council.
In this role, Kang will lead efforts to protect local film industry jobs and facilitate communication between filmmakers and city government. He will collaborate with Dan Halden, acting director of external relations at the Bureau of Street Services, and producer Amy Goldberg to streamline processes for productions within the city. Mayor Bass expressed her confidence in Kang’s ability to support and enhance the local film industry.
The City Film Liaison role was established under former Mayor Eric Garcetti and has become increasingly crucial amid a mounting concern over the decline in film and television production in the city. Advocates in the industry had been pressing for this appointment due to frustrations related to delays in obtaining permits and other bureaucratic challenges that filmmakers face when shooting on location in Los Angeles.
Decline in Production
Los Angeles has been experiencing a significant loss of production jobs as filmmakers increasingly turn to states and countries that offer more favorable tax incentives and streamlined filming regulations. This trend has raised concerns among local industry stakeholders about the sustainability of the film sector in Southern California.
In response to these challenges, Bass recently signed an executive directive aimed at simplifying city processes for film and television productions. This directive is designed to reduce costs for local jobs and create a more supportive environment for filmmakers. Kang’s responsibilities as City Film Liaison will include engaging with industry stakeholders, addressing on-location filming challenges, and improving overall communication with the city government.
Strategic Initiatives
Mayor Bass highlighted the successful expansion of the California Film & TV Tax Credit program, which recently increased its budget to $750 million. This enhancement is intended to make the state more appealing to filmmakers by broadening tax credit eligibility and providing additional funding to retain productions within California. The initiative reinforces the state’s commitment to supporting its robust film industry.
The appointment of Kang follows the issuance of Executive Directive 11, which aims to ease regulatory burdens for film productions in Los Angeles. Industry advocates have welcomed this strategic move, emphasizing the critical need for a dedicated individual who can facilitate smoother filming experiences in the city. The petition from local industry members came amid a significant decline in production activity—FilmLA reported a notable downturn from April to June, signifying urgent challenges faced by the industry.
Community Advocacy
In conjunction with these developments, a grassroots movement known as “Stay in LA” has emerged. This initiative encourages productions to remain in Los Angeles and advocates for policy reforms that support local filming efforts. The community’s commitment to retaining productions reflects the deep-rooted connection between the city and its film industry.
Historically, the City Film Liaison role has been a vital link between the entertainment sector and city government, with figures like Kevin James serving in the position and exemplifying the ideal fusion of governmental and industry experience. Kang’s appointment signals a renewed focus on addressing the specific needs of filmmakers while fostering a conducive environment for creative endeavors in Los Angeles.
As the Bass administration continues to navigate various challenges, including natural disasters and other crises, the timely appointment of a film liaison is viewed as a significant step toward revitalizing and sustaining the film industry in Los Angeles.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Mayor Bass Names New City Film Liaison
- Google Search: Los Angeles film industry
- Deadline: Mayor Karen Bass Appoints Steve Kang City Film Liaison
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles film production
- Hollywood Reporter: Are Feature Films Returning to Filming in California?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California film industry
- The Guardian: Los Angeles Film Production
- Google News: Los Angeles film production decline
- ABC7: Proposal to Reduce Film Production Fees in LA
- Secret Los Angeles: New Initiative to Boost Local Filmmaking
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
