Hollywood Workers Rally in Sun Valley

On Sunday, a passionate rally took place in Sun Valley, where hundreds of Hollywood workers gathered with a common goal: to advocate for tax incentives to keep film and television production thriving in Los Angeles. The event, held at SirReel Studios on Lankershim Boulevard, attracted industry professionals, local politicians, and even a few celebrities, all uniting to amplify the urgent message that Los Angeles should remain a hub for the entertainment industry.

Amidst the summer heat, attendees enjoyed food trucks and merchandise while listening to a series of speakers discuss the decline of production in L.A., which many described as becoming a "ghost town" for filmmakers. The rally aimed to galvanize support for Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed legislation that includes a substantial $750 million tax incentive plan designed to prevent studios from relocating to more cost-effective regions for filming.

However, the path to securing these incentives is fraught with challenges. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the narrative around tax credits is often misleading. "Many believe Hollywood is solely for the rich," she pointed out. "In reality, it's a middle-class industry that includes costumers, drivers, and countless others who depend on this work. We are not seeking a handout; we are requesting the chance to work, live, and thrive in L.A."

Councilwoman Imelda Padilla added her voice to the call for action, urging attendees to contact all city council members to ensure their support. "Only four out of fifteen council members are advocating for these incentives," she highlighted. "It’s vital that we rally our resources to keep jobs in Los Angeles. Everyone wants to contribute to this cause."

Director Adam Bhala Lough also sparked a conversation about the potential for California to rethink its current incentive structures. He suggested there should be no caps on incentives and that the state should take a more robust investment stance like other countries do. "California has a $3.9 trillion GDP. We shouldn’t just rely on soft money tax credits; we should consider direct investments," he argued. "Why not co-finance productions? This could be the way to take back our industry."

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent report from Film in L.A., which revealed alarming statistics. Regional studios had a staggering drop in occupancy rates, falling from the historical average of around 90% to just 63% in 2024. The competitive landscape has shifted drastically, with episodic television suffering particularly, now representing only 20% of all production on certified stages, down from a consistent 30% in previous years.

SAG-AFTRA’s Joely Fisher also rallied the crowd with an impassioned address, inspiring a wave of nostalgia for previous battles against corporate greed in the industry. "We are at a critical crossroads," she declared. "To usher in a new golden age of Hollywood, we must reclaim California as the heart of our industry."

As the rally concluded, enthusiasm remained high. Workers from all corners of Hollywood expressed their determination to fight for their livelihoods and preserve the cultural essence of Los Angeles as the entertainment capital of the world. With a united front, they are committed to ensuring that the future of film and television production remains brightly lit in the City of Angels.