FilmLA, the body responsible for the issuing of location shoot permits for the city, has been tracking the dismal decline in active series for a while. At a time when we’d typically see dozens of scripted TV projects in the works, we’ve seen all too many 0 permit weeks of late. While it is hardly ‘back to normal’ for production volumes this week, at least we’ve seen some forward movement. Brandon Blake, entertainment lawyer from Blake & Wang P.A., brings us the good news.
Permits Rising- Slowly
Last week, FilmLA reported four feature film projects have returned to work in the area. Of these, two are operating under interim agreements with SAG-AFTRA as ‘truly independent’ productions. This allows them to work during the strike, provided they are willing to abide by the terms which SAG-AFTRA eventually reaches with the AMPTP. FilmLA does not release titles, but at least its proof of some work returning to the Hollywood city for crew and cast members eager to return to normal.
Contribution Uptick
No doubt the two unions currently on strike will also be glad to see a trickle coming back into the pension and health coffers, too. For now, both the WAG and SAG-AFTRA funds are reported to remain in the green, but if the wider ramifications of strike action continue to impact work opportunities, that won’t remain for long. Additionally, the IATSE-focused Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan has also been under-funded since the COVID crisis.
To date, we know that over 100 films, and slightly more than a dozen scripted TV shows, have signed interim agreements. Most of these are shooting out of LA, however, and a rather worrying number out of the country altogether.
SAG-AFTRA have been vocal about wanting to see those with agreements in place returning to work robustly. Let’s hope that revenue uptick, and the associated work it brings into the city, will continue in weeks to come.
