LOS ANGELES (CNS) – In an attempt to bolster film and television production following the end of the actors and writers’ strikes, the Los Angeles City Council Tuesday approved recommendations to expedite entertainment projects.
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Council members voted 14-0 with Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson absent. Council President Paul Krekorian introduced the motion alongside several of his colleagues on Nov. 14.
Council members directed relevant city departments to identify any resources or policy changes that may be needed to speed the resumption of local film and television production.
“The report is due back in 15 days and we intend to act on the recommendations we receive,” Krekorian said in a statement. “The time it takes to get permits approved can be the most significant determinant of producers’ decisions to shoot in Los Angeles or take their productions and their jobs elsewhere. We intend to keep those jobs here in Los Angeles.”
The recent work stoppage cost the state untold billions of dollars, according to Krekorian’s office. It was the first time in over 60 years that the actors’ and writers’ unions were on strike simultaneously.
At 146 days, the writer’s strike was the second longest in Hollywood history. Canceled or postponed production led to the loss of 17,000 entertainment industry jobs in August of this year alone, according to Krekorian’s office.
“Small businesses throughout the city depend on the patronage of entertainment workers; when they are out of work, those small businesses too need to lay off workers or cut hours and wages,” Krekorian’s office said. “So swift resumption of motion picture and television production is essential to the health of our economy.”
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