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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 mot...
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