Hollywood professionals gathered on Sunday at a Los Angeles sound stage to call on California legislators to strengthen tax incentives and implement supportive measures aimed at boosting film and television production within the state. The rally drew hundreds of participants, from actors and producers to musicians and set designers, all unified in their mission to revive local industry activity that has steadily declined as productions increasingly relocate to other states. Actor and SAG-AFTRA union leader Joely Fisher energized the crowd with the rallying cry, “Make Hollywood Hollywood again,” drawing cheers from attendees, many of whom wore T-shirts displaying the phrase, “There’s no place like home,” a nod to the classic film The Wizard of Oz.
After the major 2023 strikes involving writers and actors, many in the industry had hoped for a resurgence in Los Angeles-based projects. However, recovery has been sluggish. California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed expanding the state’s annual film and TV tax credits to $750 million, up from the current $330 million. While the proposal is seen as a step in the right direction, industry advocates are pressing for additional reforms, including simplifying the permitting process to make filming in California more accessible and cost-effective.
Filmmaker Sarah Adina Smith, a key figure behind the “Stay in LA” campaign, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She warned that Los Angeles risks following in the footsteps of cities that lost major industries due to inaction. She highlighted that Hollywood is not just about high-profile celebrities but home to thousands of middle-class workers who depend on consistent production for their livelihoods.
Speakers at the event underscored how declining production affects a wide network of local businesses, from caterers to dry cleaners. Violinist Songa Lee, who has spent over two decades recording film scores in Los Angeles, shared that her annual union production work has dropped from around 30 jobs to fewer than 10. She expressed concern that if the trend continues, L.A. will no longer attract top global talent. The collective message from the rally was clear: California must act decisively to preserve its iconic entertainment industry before the damage becomes irreversible.
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