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CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Consideration of Temporary Subsidies on Film Permit Fees to Incentivize Film Production in Culver City; (2) Adoption of Resolution Extending Suspension of the Collection of Business Tax for Itinerant Motion Picture/Television Producers for an Additional 10 Years; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
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Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Elaine Warner/ Economic Development Director
Lisa Soghor/Chief Financial Officer
Phone Number: (310) 253-5777
(310) 253-6016
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [X] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/06/2025)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (11/03/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) consider temporary subsidies on film permit fees to incentivize film production in Culver City; (2) adopt a resolution to extend the suspension of business tax collection for itinerant motion picture/television producers for an additional 10 years; and (2) provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND
On August 11, 2025, the City created an Ad Hoc Film and Media Policy Subcommittee ("Subcommittee"), consisting of Mayor O'Brien and Vice Mayor Puza, to review current challenges facing productions and provide potential recommendations to encourage increased filming and employment opportunities in Culver City.
Since 2022, the film industry has faced several challenges related to shifting production formats, increased financial incentives for out of state/county filming, increased labor costs, and recent writers and actors strikes. According to FilmLA, the City's film office and permitting liaison, on-location filming for television, commercial and streaming projects in Los Angeles has dropped by 13%...
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