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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of Additional Temporary Subsidies on Film Permit Application Fees to Incentivize Production Activity in Culver City.
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Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Elaine Warner/ Economic Development Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-5777
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [X] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/23/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager (04/10/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve additional temporary subsidies on film permit application fees to incentivize production activity in Culver City.
BACKGROUND
On August 11, 2025, the City created an Ad Hoc Film and Media Policy Subcommittee (“Subcommittee”), consisting of Mayor Puza and Councilmember O’Brien, to review current challenges facing productions and provide potential recommendations to encourage increased filming and employment opportunities in Culver City.
On November 10, 2025, the City Council approved a series of subsidies to incentivize film activity. Program components included:
1. Rolling back fee increases and staffing/permit fees to December 2024 levels;
2. Creating $500,000 cap for total subsidies for a period of 12 months;
3. Providing free parking at Veteran’s Park, Senior Center and Downtown Parking structures for film production and related activity as available;
4. Developing a location “fam” tour in conjunction with FilmLA to showcase Culver City locations and assets;
5. Developing a film-specific business directory outlining resources and services to encourage use of Culver City based businesses;
6. Creating an awareness campaign for highlighting Culver City’s film-friendly program.
Additionally, the Council also approved extension of the suspension of business tax for itinerant motion picture/television producers. The suspension has been in effect for the past 15 years and related revenues were not included in the current Fiscal Year budget.
DISCUSSION
The implementation of the Culver City film subsidy/and incentive program has been well received by several industry representatives and has been reported in various trade and other publications including Variety, Time Out, LinkedIn, and Westside Today.
Shortly after the program launch, the Subcommittee requested that staff review whether any additional permit fees could be waived to further support the industry, in particular private property fees. In discussions with FilmLA it was determined that the current permit system would not allow separation between public or private locations, however Culver City specific permit application fees were identified as a potential opportunity. These include the following:
• Film/Still Photo Application Fee: $660
• Daily Use Fees: Film - $350 / Still - $75
The Subcommittee met in February 2026 to review this option and recommends that the application and day use fees be subsidized for the duration of pilot program until December 2026. The Subcommittee also approved the production survey, provided input for the proposed Business Directory as well as the location familiarization “fam” tour slated for Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Additionally, the Subcommittee met with local studios and industry representatives to better understand any additional efforts that could be implemented to enhance production activity. During the meeting, it was discussed that access to street parking remains an important consideration for on-location shooting in Culver City.
Since December 2025, there has been a total of 15 permits issued for filming in Culver City, reflecting 17 days of shooting.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The additional/proposed application fee subsidies would be charged against the current capped amount of $500,000 and would not create an additive fiscal impact. Since December 2025, the City has subsidized approximately $33,846 in fees to support film activity and production in Culver City.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
recommended action
MOTION
That the City Council:
Approve additional temporary subsidies on film permit application fees to incentivize film production in Culver City.