Could a Grant Fund Assist L.A. County in Keeping Indie Films?

Los Angeles County supervisors are developing a new initiative called the "Entertainment Evergreen Fund" to assist independent film productions with budgets under $1 million.

This proposed grant program aims to offer direct financial support to filmmakers who do not qualify for California's current state tax credit.

The initiative is a response to a noticeable decline in local film production. According to a recent report from FilmLA, the Los Angeles area saw a nearly 20% decrease in feature film shoot days in the second quarter compared to the previous year. The county believes that providing grants rather than tax credits will better support micro-budget filmmakers.

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger are leading the effort, which was initially introduced in July. The fund is still being planned, with no specific dollar amount or committed funding yet. The board is exploring a public-private model, with an outside consultant evaluating potential funding sources and cost-sharing options.

The proposal has received backing from the Indie Film Task Force, led by NewFilmmakers Los Angeles. Larry Laboe, Executive Director of NFMLA, stressed the importance of grants over tax credits, noting that small budgets often don't create enough tax liability for credits to be advantageous. He mentioned the success of low-budget films like "Obsession," which was produced in Los Angeles for $750,000 and grossed nearly $475 million worldwide, as proof of the potential impact of such grants.

However, some experts remain doubtful about the economic benefits of film incentives. Patrick Button, an associate professor of economics at Tulane University, pointed out that these incentives rarely provide the promised economic boost and often benefit major studios more than indie filmmakers.

Despite the challenges, the county is committed to supporting local filmmakers. Joely Fisher, President of SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local, emphasized the significance of independent productions for the income of union members and the opportunities they offer for emerging talent.

As the county continues to develop the Entertainment Evergreen Fund, filmmakers like Sylvia Ray, who had to film "The Middle" in Mexico due to financial limitations, hope for a clearer path to support for future projects.