Mayor Eric Garcetti has launched the Digital Makers Initiative – a pilot program that will help filmmakers remain and thrive in Los Angeles – by cutting two-thirds of film-permitting costs for small and digital-first productions.

Though digital filmmakers are increasingly driving film and television production in Los Angeles, they have historically been priced out of expensive permits that cater to big-budget projects, according to the mayor’s office. The Digital Makers Initiative, which cuts red tape for small, low-impact productions, is the first pilot program of its kind in the nation.

“Los Angeles has always been home to pioneers of the entertainment industry, and we should take down barriers to the kind of creative, future-minded innovation that small digital filmmakers represent,” Garcetti said. “The Digital Makers Initiative will help us make sure that L.A. – with all of our beautiful scenery, iconic landmarks, and unmatched production resources – remains accessible to them.”

FilmL.A.,the film permitting agency for the city and county of Los Angeles,will issue the first Digital Makers Initiative permits this October to the pilot participants, which include Buzzfeed, Fullscreen, Tastemade, mitú, Funny Or Die, College Humor and 72andSunny.

The Digital Makers Initiative is designed for productions that have a low impact on the communities in which they shoot. Pilot participants will pay a $250 fee and will be required to take part in a FilmL.A. training program. Cast and crew will be limited to up to 15 people on set for interior filming, and up to six people for exterior filming.

Productions will have specific equipment requirements and filming of exceptional activity will be prohibited. There will be no special parking provisions or street closures for productions.

“L.A. is home to so many talented makers, creators and artists who are innovating in the media and entertainment space,” said Jonah Peretti, founder and CEO of BuzzFeed. “We’re grateful to Mayor Garcetti for embracing the city’s thriving digital filmmaking community and honored to support this effort.”

Since taking office, Garcetti has focused on increasing film production in Los Angeles, and also created the city’s first Entertainment Industry and Production Office, appointed a film czar, and ordered all city departments to designate a film liaison to cooperate with FilmL.A.