The latest Poliwood – on the recession hereabouts – but I haven’t posted about it because of some tech problems hereabouts. But it came out decently because the crew went out and shot some b-roll of my decimated neighborhood while I was back East. Part of the decimation was and is a particular condo development on LaBrea near Hollywood Boulevard which was originally trumpeted as the new chic address at three million for a pied a terre and now sits unfinished like some run down resort on the road to Ensenada.
Lionel and I talk about how production is deserting Hollywood, even though the dollar is weak. This, of course, is no big deal to the above-the-line talent (producers, writers, directors, actors) who can work anywhere. It’s the working stiffs who suffer. But so it goes in “liberal” Hollywood. You can see our show here.
Many states are offering tax breaks to production companies. Michigan has offered a huge tax break, and surprise, surprise we have seen a bunch of movies being filmed in Michigan. For some reason governor Granholm thinks tax breaks for movie producers are good for Michigan but not for other industries. Maybe somebody promised her a part.
I also strongly suspect that the technological revolution is seriously threatening Hollywood. It is my understanding, for instance, that an inexpensive computer bought at Wal-Mart can be used to edit a major motion picture. No longer is the infrastructure required that was normally provided by the establishment film studios. Hollywood does have some large and difficult to replicate background sets—but how often are they really needed?
It’s very much less about technology than about a bunch of idiots that run this city and state and don’t see the value of the industry remaining and being a vibrant player as it has played in the past. Well, it’s not happening and until the city gets off it’s **s production will continue to flee. And as Roger says, it’s not about the guys who have access to private planes but about the guy who slings cable.
Just recently one of the largest costume/wardrobe/set decoration company closed its doors. Not BK, but owner decided that he couldn’t afford to hang around after 20 plus years for production to return. Ugly Betty left and he wasn’t making money anymore. So bye bye to those workers.
Los Angeles, the city part, is one of the most business unfriendly cities in the USofA.