Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535953
10 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Summer 2025 KEEP FILM IN LA RALLY On April 6, 2025, "Stay in LA" hosted a rally at SirReel Studio Services in Sun Valley. A series of speakers, including local, state, and national politicians took the stage and called on leadership to do more to help our industry. It is well known that film, TV, and commercial production support tens of thousands of workers in Southern California. Working with government representatives, IATSE, and other trade organizations, Stay in LA formed after the devastating wildfires that subsequently hindered production. The organization created a slate of proposals to be included in the overall disaster relief efforts. One proposal would remove tax-incentive caps for productions that shoot in Los Angeles County. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) attended the rally because Hollywood production is incredibly important to our local and state economy. "This is a nationwide issue, we're competing against countries taking our business, our assets, our storytelling and hiring their crews instead of our crews, and that's not good for business," he said. The speakers called for more localized help for Los Angeles, urging local government and the state of California to take action to reduce the cost of filming in LA. Speakers at the rally called on studios and streamers to pledge that at least ten percent of their productions locate in Los Angeles. They called for lowering or eliminating local film permit fees, and create more crew parking at affordable rates. "In 2020, a generational pandemic shuttered production and post-production, pushed projects out of state, and left behind California's creators, crew members and the surrounding businesses that support production, including technicians, makeup artists, hairstylists, and editors." said Pamala Buzick Kim, a production talent representative and founding member of the organization. "Now, we turn to our government to act," said Buzick Kim, "to pass legislation that keeps entertainment in California, invests in our communities, and helps rebuild an industry and save a dream at risk of disappearing." Despite the end of the SAG and WGA labor strikes, production has been slow to recover. Filming in Los NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Angeles has dropped thirty percent over the last five years, the annual sound stage occupancy dropped and entertainment companies have slashed spending on productions as many have taken advantage of lucrative tax incentives offered outside California. The rally reached out to the community for support, and was well attended by members of SAG, WGA, and IATSE. Crew members, business owners, community organizers, and union officials were also in attendance. L.A. City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla (District 6) called upon her elected colleagues to help with the cause. "Councilmembers are talking about it. With an upcoming City Council vote, we hope to make some changes." she said. "To everyone who lives in LA, I highly encourage you to call or write your councilmembers. Make it a priority. Let your voice be heard. We all are in favor of keeping jobs in Los Angeles, that I can assure you." Local 695 members were well represented by Yvette Marxer, Sam Hamer, Jennifer Winslow, and Kevin Sante, among others from sister LA locals. Sam Hamer commented: "It was heartening to see so many people from so many crafts here to show support and let our elected representatives know that the film industry isn't just about premieres and private jets; it's working-class tradesmen and women supporting families and supporting the small businesses that keep this town going." Ms. Marxer explained the need for this rally. "What started (L-R): Paul Samaniego, Set Lighting Local 728; Kevin Sante, 695 Boom Operator; Neil Williams, Grip Local 80; Yvette Marxer, 695 Sound Utility