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90210 films on-location | Photo by foodwoolf via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Although there were some gains in features and commercial shoots, overall film-production dropped in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, according to statistics released yesterday. In all, there were 9,680 permitted production days from July to September compared to 11,300 recorded in the same time period last year--that's a 14.3 percent drop. “The year-to-date production numbers confirm the importance of the State’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program and the need for the City of Los Angeles’ recently passed package to improve the local filming environment. We appreciate these efforts,” said Paul Audley, the President of FilmLA, the nonprofit that is contracted by the city and other jurisdictions to coordinate film permits.
Television shoots were down by 21 percent and shoots under the "other" category (think music videos and the like) were down by 26 percent. Although feature film production saw a gain of 25 percent, film officials are cautious to celebrate because studios last year rushed to complete films before June 30th last year, due to the labor contract expiration. Year-to-date, features are down 37 percent.
Commercials saw a 10 percent gain, but year-to-date, are down 21 percent. “We hope this up-tick is a bellwether of an improving national economy,” Audley said, hinting towards the economy's affect on advertiser budgets.
Previously: 19 Ways that Could Bring the Film Industry Back to L.A.