News Summary
Production for David E. Kelley’s Apple TV+ series, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ has been impacted by recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Despite initial thoughts of relocating, the production team decided to stay in California, securing significant state film tax credits. This decision reflects a commitment to local filming as part of Kelley’s ongoing projects in the region. The California Film Commission reports an increase in applications for tax credits, highlighting a renewed enthusiasm in the industry.
Los Angeles – Filming for actor and producer David E. Kelley’s upcoming Apple TV+ series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” has faced significant challenges due to the recent wildfires that devastated parts of the Los Angeles area, particularly the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods. As the fires struck, crew members reported losses of homes and sustained smoke damage, leading some to offer shelter to displaced individuals.
Initially, amid the chaos and uncertainty over the state film and television tax credits, Kelley’s production team considered relocating to more affordable filming locations like New Mexico or Vancouver. However, after careful consideration, they ultimately decided to continue their production efforts in California — a decision that has since proven fruitful. “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” secured approximately $1.2 million per episode in state film tax credits, facilitating its filming both in Los Angeles and for four days in Las Vegas.
Matthew Tinker, the president of David E. Kelley Productions, praised the high production value achieved despite the obstacles faced during filming. This decision highlights a broader trend as Kelley’s production company remains steadfast in its commitment to filming in Los Angeles, despite many projects shifting to other states for better tax incentives.
Kelley, known for his work on major television series such as “Ally McBeal” and “The Practice,” plans for all his current projects—including “Big Little Lies,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and “Presumed Innocent”—to also shoot in LA. Recently, Kelley’s production company has relocated to a new headquarters in Santa Monica, equipped with modern amenities and an extensive collection of awards, further solidifying its presence in California’s creative landscape.
The commitment to filming in California resonates with renewed industry efforts aimed at improving the state’s film and TV tax incentive program. Following the January wildfires, there was a notable communal response to rebuilding, which may have influenced Kelley’s decision to keep production local. Recent updates to California’s film tax credit program, approved earlier this summer, led to a dramatic 400% increase in applications for tax credits, demonstrating a renewed enthusiasm in the industry.
The state’s overall funding for the film tax credit program has risen from $330 million to $750 million to sustain jobs and stimulate local production. The California Film Commission reported that 22 newly funded projects successfully received tax credits, generating over 6,500 jobs and benefiting local small businesses significantly.
Although production activity in Los Angeles has seen a 9% decline in the current year due to previous setbacks, such as those in 2020 and 2023, the enhancements to the tax credit program aim to counteract this trend. Even with increased operational costs that may necessitate adjustments, such as reducing filming days, Kelley’s experienced crews can adapt efficiently to ensure successful production cycles.
David E. Kelley’s commitment to filming in Los Angeles not only aims to inspire other Hollywood productions to remain local but also highlights a collective industry push towards action and revitalization of incentives that can safeguard employment opportunities within the community. As the film industry continues to navigate these multifaceted challenges, Kelley’s production company stands firm in its resolve to prioritize California for future projects.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: California film tax credit
- Variety
- Google Search: California film industry tax incentives
- Hollywood Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hollywood film industry
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google News: California film tax credit
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.
