What's Happening?
Production designer Theresa Guleserian, known for her work on Ben Affleck's thriller 'Animals,' which recently debuted at number one on Netflix, emphasized the crucial role of Los Angeles as a setting for the film. Guleserian, an Angelino, stated that
her deep knowledge of the city allowed her to tell a more profound story. She highlighted specific locations like a vintage mansion in Holmby Hills, chosen to reflect the characters' status and Paul Williams' architectural style, and a secluded concrete channel of the Los Angeles River, which provided a cinematic backdrop for the film's climax. The movie, produced by Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity, champions Los Angeles-based shoots. Guleserian also expressed strong support for the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, a proposed federal incentive that would offer a 20 percent tax credit for productions made in the U.S., aiming to boost local filmmaking.
Why It's Important?
Guleserian's advocacy for local filmmaking and the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act underscores a significant issue for the U.S. entertainment industry. The proposed tax credit could incentivize more productions to remain within the United States, potentially creating jobs and stimulating local economies in filmmaking hubs like Los Angeles. This is particularly important given the trend of productions moving internationally for cost-saving measures, which Guleserian noted by mentioning her experience filming commercials in Sweden that pretended to be set in America. For U.S. film professionals, such legislation could mean more consistent work and a stronger domestic industry. The success of 'Animals' on Netflix, despite its focus on local L.A. settings, demonstrates that regionally specific stories can resonate with a global audience, further supporting the argument for investing in U.S.-based productions.
What's Next?
The future of U.S. film production could be significantly shaped by the passage of the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. If approved by Congress, this federal incentive would likely lead to an increase in domestic film and television projects, potentially reversing the trend of productions seeking international locations. This could result in a revitalization of local film industries across the U.S., providing more opportunities for production designers, crew members, and other industry professionals. The continued success of films like 'Animals,' which leverage specific U.S. locales, may also encourage studios and streaming platforms to invest further in stories rooted in American settings, reinforcing the cultural and economic value of domestic filmmaking.
Beyond the Headlines
The discussion around 'Animals' and the proposed tax credit touches upon broader themes of cultural authenticity and economic nationalism within the entertainment sector. Guleserian's insistence on filming stories about Los Angeles in Los Angeles highlights a desire to maintain the integrity of narratives by grounding them in their actual settings, rather than relying on international substitutes. This perspective suggests that local knowledge and environment contribute significantly to the artistic quality and authenticity of a film. Furthermore, the push for federal tax incentives reflects a larger economic strategy to protect and grow domestic industries, ensuring that the cultural and financial benefits of filmmaking remain within the country. This debate extends beyond mere economics, touching on the preservation of national identity and the unique storytelling capabilities that come from deeply understanding a specific place.
