What's Happening?
Denise Gutches has been appointed as the new CEO of FilmLA, succeeding Paul Audley who will retire in December after 17 years with the organization. Gutches, who has been with FilmLA since 2011 as the chief financial and operating officer, will take over on January 1. Her appointment comes at a time when Hollywood is striving to bring back film and television production to Los Angeles, which has seen a decline due to the pandemic, strikes, and reduced studio spending. California has increased its film and TV tax credit program to attract more productions, with 22 TV series recently awarded tax credits, 18 of which will film in Los Angeles. Gutches aims to make the region more attractive for filming by working with government partners to streamline the process.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Denise Gutches as CEO of FilmLA is significant for the local entertainment industry, which has been struggling to retain productions. The enhanced tax incentives are crucial for revitalizing the industry in Los Angeles, a major hub for film and television. Gutches' leadership is expected to focus on making the area more appealing for productions, potentially boosting local employment and economic activity. The success of these efforts could influence other states and countries in their approach to attracting film and TV projects, impacting the global entertainment landscape.
What's Next?
As Gutches prepares to take on her new role, FilmLA will continue to work on improving the permitting process and collaborating with government entities to ensure the effectiveness of the new tax credits. The industry will be watching closely to see if these measures lead to a tangible increase in local production activity. Stakeholders, including studios and production companies, may respond positively if the incentives prove successful, potentially leading to more projects being filmed in Los Angeles.
