L.A. County Greenlights $100 Million Push to Boost Film, TV, and Tech Jobs

Filming (Photo – Ivan Radic)

On Tuesday, July 15, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a sweeping motion to revitalize the region’s storied film and television industry by modernizing permitting processes, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and exploring significant new investments.

By News Desk

Introduced by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey P. Horvath, the motion directs the LA County Film Office—housed within the Department of Economic Opportunity—to collaborate with key County departments, including Regional Planning, Fire, Public Works, Beaches and Harbors, Parks and Recreation, and the Sheriff’s Department. The goal: streamline filming regulations and enhance the region’s competitiveness with major production hubs like Georgia, New York, and Texas.

“Our region is the heart of entertainment,” said Board Chair Kathryn Barger. “We’re taking action today to cut through outdated bureaucracy, invest in innovation, and make sure Los Angeles County remains the number one place to film and create.”

A key element of the motion is the proposed Evergreen Fund—a public-private investment strategy of $80 to $100 million—designed to support emerging technology startups in the film and television sector. In partnership with the Center for Strategic Partnerships and the Department of Arts and Culture, officials will assess the fund’s structure, identify financing sources, and evaluate its potential to generate sustainable, high-quality jobs and keep production spending local.

“This motion models how local government can do its part to support the film industry,” said Paul Audley, President of FilmLA, the County’s official film office. “Today’s vote was a vote to support an industry that needs every bit of help it can get and reaffirms its vital role in the economy.”

With the industry still recovering from the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes, the Board’s action launches a 120-day process to develop studies and recommendations focused on reducing costs, fostering innovation, and supporting community needs.