L.A. Sees “Tragic” Loss in TV Drama Productions in 2012

LOS ANGELES: While overall on-location TV production dipped 3.4 percent in Los Angeles year-on-year, the drama segment took a drastic hit, down 20 percent, according to FilmL.A.

The reality-TV arena dipped 11.8 percent for L.A. shooting. However, the increase in sitcoms helped to bring Q4 TV totals to a healthy level, up 11.9 percent.

“We know that part of the decline in our TV drama figures stems from producers’ desire to cut costs by filming more on studio back-lots and soundstages,” said Paul Audley, FilmL.A.’s president . “Unfortunately, last year we also saw a record number of new TV drama series shot out of state, resulting in negative economic consequences.”

The California Film and Television Tax Credit, which has been around since 2009, is available to television producers who meet the state’s strict qualification criteria. This year a number of Los Angeles-based TV projects took advantage of the credit, including Body of Proof, Bunheads, Five More, Franklin and Bash, Justified, Major Crimes, Pretty Little Liars, Rizzoli and Isles, Shadow on the Mesa, Switched at Birth, Teen Wolf and Thanksgiving House.

For features, production increased 3.7 percent. This was the category’s best year since 2008. Production of commercials increased 14.1 percent.

“Last year saw our industry rocked by dramatic changes in the local production landscape,” added Audley. “If we seek a more secure future for filming in Los Angeles, we must continue to innovate and expand upon the programs proven to attract new projects to California.”