For decades, Los Angeles has been the heart of the entertainment industry, a hub where TV shows and feature films were born and brought to life. However, in recent years, the industry has faced a growing crisis—fewer productions are being shot in the city, leaving Hollywood in a state of economic and creative uncertainty. The ripple effect of this decline extends beyond just studios and networks; it impacts thousands of workers, from set designers to caterers, and even specialized industries like drone cinematography.
The Decline of Local Productions
The rise of tax incentives in other states and countries has led many major productions to relocate, with cities like Atlanta, Vancouver, and even London becoming preferred destinations for film and TV projects. While California has implemented its own tax incentive programs, they often fall short of what other locations offer, making it difficult for L.A. to compete.
Additionally, the industry is still feeling the aftershocks of the Hollywood strikes, which put many productions on hold. The slowdown led to financial hardships for countless industry professionals, and even now, the recovery is proving to be slow and uneven. Many industry professionals have been forced to pivot, looking outside of Hollywood for work or even restarting their careers in entirely different fields. Others, however, have found ways to remain in the industry and give a voice to its workers, such as Producer Patrick Caligiuri, who continues to advocate for those impacted by the downturn. As a result, fewer shows and films are being shot in Los Angeles, affecting everyone from crew members to local businesses that rely on film production revenue.
The Impact on the Drone Cinematography Industry
One industry particularly affected by this downturn is drone cinematography. CineDrones, a leader in aerial filming, has seen firsthand the effects of fewer productions in Los Angeles. With a reduced number of projects being filmed locally, demand for specialized drone shots has diminished. Many drone operators who once thrived in Hollywood’s fast-paced environment now find themselves searching for work outside of the city or even outside of the film industry altogether.
A New Voice in the Conversation: The Mike Fortin Show
Amid these challenges, Mike Fortin, CEO of CineDrones, is taking matters into his own hands by launching The Mike Fortin Show, a new podcast that will dive into the state of the film industry and beyond. The show aims to bring together industry professionals, creatives, and business leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of Hollywood, the future of film production, and innovative solutions to help revitalize the industry in Los Angeles.
From in-depth interviews with directors and producers to discussions on emerging technology and business strategies, The Mike Fortin Show promises to be an essential platform for anyone invested in the future of entertainment. Hosted from a state-of-the-art studio in a secure location just outside Downtown Los Angeles, the podcast will provide an inside look at the industry’s struggles, successes, and everything in between.
The Road Ahead
While the challenges facing Hollywood are significant, there’s still hope for a resurgence of local productions. By advocating for stronger incentives, investing in new technologies, and fostering meaningful discussions, industry leaders like Mike Fortin are working to find ways to bring production back to Los Angeles. As The Mike Fortin Show launches, it will undoubtedly become a key voice in the conversation, providing valuable insights and perspectives on the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
For those who care about the future of Hollywood, now is the time to stay informed, get involved, and push for solutions that will keep Los Angeles at the forefront of the film and television industry.
