On-location filming in Greater Los Angeles is down more than 18% so far in 2020 and continues to fall, according to a report released on April 23 by FilmLA. Among other documented impacts to business in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, declines in a key measure of entertainment industry output highlight the economic challenges facing L.A.’s signature industry.

After starting strong in January, on-location filming in L.A. slowed in March following a series of voluntary cutbacks and progressively tightening public gathering limits. The 1,091 local productions filming in February 2020 dwindled to 644 projects in March before filming ended completely on March 20. On that date, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and other state and local authorities issued “Safer at Home” orders, which closed the region to on-location filming until further notice.

With the shutdown poised to extend deep into the second quarter, FilmLA analysts predict that local shoot day losses are already unrecoverable for the year.

“FilmLA joins with all of Los Angeles in prioritizing the health and well-being of our communities during this unprecedented challenge. Our concern extends also to the economic security of local families, including the nearly one in five Angelenos with ties to this business and the thousands of small businesses they support,” said Paul Audley, FilmLA president.

Audley also promised that FilmLA and its staff – operating remotely and on a reduced schedule since March 13 – will be prepared for a rapid return to work once it is safe for production to resume.

According to FilmLA data, overall filming in the Greater Los Angeles region saw an 18% decline to 7,252 shoot days from January through March, compared to 8,843 shoot days in early 2019. Headed into April, local production levels were trending 21.5% below their five-year average, and continuing to drop by the day.

For information, visit filmla.com/covid-19.