Film & Creators
LA Film Production Is Down Again in 2026: What It Means for Crews, Brands & Indie Filmmakers
Quick answer
Los Angeles on-location filming fell again in 2026, with shoot days down roughly 12% year-over-year in Q2 2026 even after California's expanded tax credit. Fewer than 25% of U.S. scripted series filmed in LA in Q1 2026, down from 40% in 2019. That means less crew work and a harder path for indie films — but opportunity for productions that move efficiently.
Key takeaways
- LA on-location shoot days fell about 12% year-over-year in Q2 2026.
- Fewer than 25% of U.S. scripted series filmed in LA in Q1 2026, vs. 40% in 2019.
- Commercial shoots fell more than 23% in 2025 and are not tax-credit eligible.
- Efficient, right-sized productions and brand work are where the opportunity is.
What the 2026 data says
LA on-location shoot days fell roughly 12% year-over-year in Q2 2026, even after California expanded its film tax credit. The full 2025 picture was already down — 19,694 shoot days, a 16.1% decline from 2024, with commercial shoots falling more than 23%. In Q1 2026, fewer than 25% of U.S. scripted series filmed in LA, compared with 40% in Q1 2019.
California film spend rose about 5% year-over-year in Q2 2026, yet feature production in LA fell nearly 20%. More is being spent in California overall, but less of it lands in LA — productions take the credit and film elsewhere.
What it means for crews
For below-the-line crew, the contraction means fewer long-form jobs and more competition for each call. The crews staying busy have diversified into commercial, brand, and content work — the shoots still happening as scripted series leave. That is the work Relative Vision Studio produces.
What it means for brands
For brands, the silver lining is access. Crews and gear once locked into long-form productions are now available for commercial work, so a well-run production can get feature-film craft on a brand timeline. The brands that win treat video as an ongoing program, not a one-off.
What it means for indie filmmakers
For indie filmmakers, the market is harder but not closed. The path forward is leaner productions, clearer funding strategy, and using brand and commercial work to fund and sharpen the craft. Our founder served as Associate Producer on the independent feature She Reminds Me of You — meet Marcus Hood.