{"id":34262,"date":"2026-08-09T09:01:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T04:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34262"},"modified":"2026-08-09T09:01:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T04:01:55","slug":"l-a-county-weighs-a-grant-fund-to-keep-indie-films-from-leaving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34262","title":{"rendered":"L.A. County weighs a grant fund to keep indie films from leaving"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-element=\"story-body\" data-subscriber-content=\"\">\n<p>Independent filmmaker Sylvia Ray always wanted to shoot her first feature film, \u201cThe Middle,\u201d in California \u2014 as it\u2019s set in Barstow, where she grew up.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, she shot it in Mexico. <\/p>\n<p>The math made the decision for her. <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/newsletter\/2026-04-28\/wide-shot-animation-tax-credits\">Grants and incentives<\/a> from the municipality of Torre\u00f3n and the state of Coahuila covered 30%-40% of her production budget, which came in under a million dollars, Ray said, adding that she didn\u2019t have to pay for film permits, on-site security or local hotel accommodations. Over 21 days in March and April, the production hired 75 <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/story\/2026-05-10\/why-family-businesses-that-built-hollywood-are-closing\">local crew members<\/a> and college students.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll I needed was a desert landscape and American homes. I could have definitely shot it in L.A. comfortably. Had I gotten more support and made it make sense for us financially,\u201d Ray said. \u201cBut it just didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her budget was too small to qualify for any <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/story\/2026-07-12\/state-legislators-push-exemption-film-tv-tax-credit-program\">California film incentive<\/a> at the time, as the state\u2019s program doesn\u2019t reach projects costing under $1 million. Low-budget filmmakers and producers say that gap is a major problem. California\u2019s incentives, even after the recent expansion, are built for productions several rungs above them.<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles County has plans to change that. Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger are developing an Entertainment Evergreen Fund, first introduced last July, which would channel money to productions the state\u2019s tax credit doesn\u2019t reach. The fund  would distribute grants rather than tax credits. <\/p>\n<p>No dollar amount has been attached and the county has not committed funding. The board intends to explore a public-private model, with funding sources, amounts and any cost sharing determined only after an outside consultant completes an analysis and presents recommendations to the board of supervisors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLike every County initiative, this work must be balanced with our current fiscal realities,\u201d Barger said in a statement, adding that she hopes to build \u201ca sustainable &#8230; partnership\u201d that helps keep  L.A. as \u201cthe global leader in entertainment production.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cState tax credits have been the most instrumental tool to keep production local, and we want to amplify their success to make clear to the industry: LA County wants you here,\u201d Horvath added. <\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/dc1fee3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2ded7b1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c1a3008\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1b9b8d2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/acbed20\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/db815d3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8d8d692\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Director Sylvia Ray on set of &quot;The Middle.&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/93fbaea\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b744fae\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4641928\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ec8979c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/756c2b8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b9aba7c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/021667f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/17d875f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fab%2Fb61f9fc845229d516514adebea6f%2Fthe-middle-1016.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Director Sylvia Ray on set of \u201cThe Middle.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>(Alex Crunker)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"why-l-a-got-expensive-for-small-films\" class=\"subhead\">Why L.A. got expensive for small films<\/h2>\n<p>Many small-budget filmmakers struggle with  location and permitting costs in L.A., said Philip Sokoloski, vice president of communications at FilmLA, the nonprofit that coordinates permits and tracks local production.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMany property owners inclined to rent out their homes or places of business for filming are used to an era where there was a lot of money to go around &#8230; It\u2019s not true anymore,\u201d Sokoloski said. \u201cUntil that message is widely understood, there\u2019s a certain priced-out-of-the-market feeling that many indies are experiencing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A fund, he said, could help offset those costs.<\/p>\n<p>The film grant proposal comes amid a <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/story\/2026-05-10\/why-family-businesses-that-built-hollywood-are-closing\">bleak period for local film and TV production<\/a>, which has struggled to rebound after the pandemic.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ff2f42f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1b3a92d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/16833ab\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4ee04da\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5be1b33\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9ccd1f3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1fd37e9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Director Vanna James on set for the film &quot;The Seed&quot; in a residential neighborhood in North Hollywood on Tuesday\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5090670\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7031540\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0064f46\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ad3573b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b6d09e6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/75efcd1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1f7355c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f9ba142\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4251x2834+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fcd%2F534966b340edbf67837320daeece%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0272-rb.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Director Vanna James on set for the film \u201cThe Seed\u201d in a residential neighborhood in North Hollywood on Tuesday<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Despite improvements attributed to an expansion of the state\u2019s film tax credit program, feature film shoot days in the L.A. region dropped 20% in the second quarter compared to last year, while shoot days for TV productions plummeted 30%, <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/story\/2026-07-23\/despite-tax-credits-filming-in-la-is-still-sluggish\">according to a recent report from FilmLA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Making an indie movie is harder than it has ever been, said Steven Wolfe, a producer whose credits include \u201c(500) Days of Summer\u201d and more than 45 other films. Companies are less willing to finance independent projects, buyers are spending less and the exhibition market is harder to navigate. Yet \u201cthere\u2019s an audience that\u2019s very hungry for them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Wolfe is developing what he calls a passion project with a first-time feature director, set to shoot in Los Angeles. Whether it gets made, he said, depends on whether the fund materializes. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll of us recognize the need to take extreme action and soon on trying to rebuild Los Angeles as the film capital of the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<div data-element=\"media-set-5-up-mixed\" role=\"figure\" aria-describedby=\"media-set-0000019f-d37b-d842-a3ff-fb7bdd8c0006\" class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-2.5 m-0 -mx-5 md:grid-cols-6  md:[&amp;_[data-element=\" media-set-media-container=\"\" md:=\"\" lg:m-0=\"\" xxl:-mx-10=\"\">\n<div data-element=\"media-set-media-container\" class=\"relative\">\n<p data-element=\"media-set-index\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-0 z-1 m-0 flex h-1.25 w-1.25 items-center justify-center bg-blackAlpha65 p-2.5 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-none text-cms-color-overlay-text\"> 1 <\/p>\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bcbaef0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/320x320!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2f40409\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/568x568!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bcaf914\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/768x768!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f16ab07\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/1024x1024!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/319e060\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/1200x1200!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Maurice Hall films a scene for the film &quot;The Seed.&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/cd74b35\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/320x320!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9d44423\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/568x568!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f9acc8c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/768x768!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/44a3b49\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/1024x1024!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3a687d6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/1200x1200!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/17f2781\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3221x3221+805+0\/resize\/800x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fb7%2Fc9f811e743c69e54080b25244509%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-0936-rb.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>    <\/div>\n<div data-element=\"media-set-media-container\" class=\"relative\">\n<p data-element=\"media-set-index\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-0 z-1 m-0 flex h-1.25 w-1.25 items-center justify-center bg-blackAlpha65 p-2.5 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-none text-cms-color-overlay-text\"> 2 <\/p>\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9d17fa7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/320x320!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0c90b2e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/568x568!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9ba2f05\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/768x768!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/98394ff\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/1024x1024!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2534b5e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/1200x1200!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Rolls of gaffer tap on the set of &quot;The Seed,&quot; filming in North Hollywood.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/087a27d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/320x320!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/48fe2e1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/568x568!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/df4ec33\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/768x768!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e245313\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/1024x1024!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 1024w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/73e0883\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/1200x1200!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/fae3e99\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3433x3433+858+0\/resize\/800x800!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F88%2F6f%2F9c1de9c6416a8fa77d7edaf82d51%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1025-rb.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>    <\/div>\n<p id=\"media-set-0000019f-d37b-d842-a3ff-fb7bdd8c0006\" data-element=\"media-set-caption\" class=\"col-span-full mx-5 my-0 font-cms-font-service-text text-xs font-medium leading-3.5 text-cms-color-brand-text lg:mx-0\">  <strong data-element=\"media-set-meta-index\" class=\"font-cms-font-service-text font-bold\">1.<\/strong>  <span data-element=\"media-set-caption\">Maurice Hall films a scene for the film \u201cThe Seed.\u201d<\/span>    <strong data-element=\"media-set-meta-index\" class=\"font-cms-font-service-text font-bold\">2.<\/strong>  <span data-element=\"media-set-caption\">Rolls of gaffer tap on the set of \u201cThe Seed,\u201d filming in North Hollywood.<\/span>  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"whats-being-proposed\" class=\"subhead\">What\u2019s being proposed<\/h2>\n<p>The fund is being shaped with input from the Indie Film Task Force, a group of industry voices led by the nonprofit NewFilmmakers Los Angeles. The task force pushed for grants rather than a tax credit, arguing that small budgets  don\u2019t generate enough tax liability for a credit to be worth much.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe see this as a foundational level investment. It is a trickle-up incentive that\u2019s going to feed into the studios,\u201d said NFMLA Executive Director Larry Laboe. \u201cThis is a way to invest very little money in a lot of different productions and hope for some big wins from those productions that can trickle up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Laboe cites  <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/story\/2026-07-08\/traditional-hollywood-is-investing-big-in-internet-stories-heres-why\">Curry Barker\u2019s box office underdog \u201cObsession\u201d<\/a> as the latest example of a major low-budget indie success. The horror flick, which hit theaters in May, was made in Los Angeles for a budget of $750,000 and has since grossed nearly $475 million worldwide. <\/p>\n<p>Laboe, one of the proposal\u2019s leading advocates, has projected the fund\u2019s ceiling could reach $100 million, depending on fundraising. NFMLA isn\u2019t positioned to administer it, though he\u2019s open to a role.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f0d123c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/42a08c2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/568x378!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/24b70f0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/768x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/d0d6bb3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/1080x719!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5e401ac\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/1240x825!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8047442\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/1440x958!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/19faecc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/2160x1437!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Actor Celestino Camille works on a scene for the film &quot;The Seed&quot; in a residential neighborhood in North Hollywood on Tuesday.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bd6ec02\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8382132\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/568x378!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/95b9ce8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/768x511!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/47302bb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/1080x719!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b8f5b3c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/1240x825!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/204c6c3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/1440x958!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3cac4bb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/2160x1437!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/07068fb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5153x3430+0+0\/resize\/2000x1331!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fec%2F1b82f8b244e18582213ec5db35e8%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1007-rb.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Actor Celestino Camille works on a scene for the film \u201cThe Seed\u201d in a residential neighborhood in North Hollywood on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Barger said her conversations with filmmakers, labor representatives and production companies have surfaced \u201cseveral promising ways an Evergreen Fund could strengthen our local industry,\u201d including \u201cgrant incentives that encourage productions of all sizes \u2014 including independent filmmakers \u2014 to choose Los Angeles County.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-case-against-film-grants\" class=\"subhead\">The case against film grants<\/h2>\n<p>Film and TV production incentives rarely deliver the economic benefit that justifies them and only occasionally change where a project shoots, said Patrick Button, an associate professor of economics at Tulane University who studies the programs. He sees a particular problem with targeting small productions: Indie filmmakers, already working on thin budgets, are the least likely to relocate in pursuit of a subsidy. Chasing incentives across <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/entertainment-arts\/business\/story\/2026-04-13\/hollywood-offshoring-look-at-whos-winning-global-production-race\">jurisdictions is largely the province of major studios<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDespite the goal with these incentives being to attract filmmaking and lead to economic stimulus, that\u2019s not materialized in the data,\u201d Button said. \u201cIn general, these incentives don\u2019t have a good return on investment for the states and their counties.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>He also noted \u201ca lot of stress on the L.A. County budget right now, and a lot of other things that the money could be spent on,\u201d and expects the fund\u2019s effect to be \u201cvery small.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Laboe countered that covering even 10% of an indie production budget would help keep work local, adding that filmmakers may be able to layer a county grant with the state credit where it applies.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-it-would-reach\" class=\"subhead\">Who it would reach?<\/h2>\n<p>Independent productions are a meaningful share of SAG-AFTRA members\u2019 income, particularly as major studios chase incentives abroad. More small films shot locally would mean more roles, said SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local President  Joely Fisher.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople are rolling up their sleeves, raising money and going to make a movie for under a million bucks,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cBut also they\u2019re able to take more chances. People are being discovered in these indie movies, and I think that that\u2019s a great thing for our newer members, who can cut their teeth on something indie.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Making the film is only half of it. The fund also should address marketing costs, or the films won\u2019t get seen, said Jackie Brenneman, president of the Independent Film &amp; Television Alliance. Those budgets traditionally come from distributors, but more independent films now go directly to theaters without one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have to be able to exploit the thing you make,\u201d Brenneman said. \u201cIf we want to be able to access theaters, the theater\u2019s first question is going to be, what\u2019s your marketing plan? What\u2019s your marketing budget?\u201d .<\/p>\n<p>Ray is still editing \u201cThe Middle.\u201d Whatever happens with the fund, it won\u2019t reach her first feature. But she\u2019s already thinking about her next one.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter this film is done, I\u2019ll have my next one to worry about,\u201d she said. \u201cAs a filmmaker here, there are so many hurdles, and it would just be nicer to have a clear pipeline, a scaling budget for all of these things and [provide] access to people who want to support emerging talent and artists, not just the studio system.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Independent filmmaker Sylvia Ray always wanted to shoot her first feature film, \u201cThe Middle,\u201d in California \u2014 as it\u2019s set in Barstow, where she grew up. Instead, she shot it in Mexico. The math made the decision for her. Grants and incentives from the municipality of Torre\u00f3n and the state of Coahuila covered 30%-40% of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1a872f1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5724x3005+0+405\/resize\/1200x630!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F8a%2Fc59531dd467e92f8c56337c36abc%2F1565085-fi-indie-film-shoot-noho-1135-rb.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34262"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34262\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}