LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass announced her appointment of Steve Kang, President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, as the Mayor’s Liaison to the Film and Television Industry. Mayor Bass made the announcement during a meeting with her Entertainment Industry Council, citing President Kang’s deep knowledge of the City’s infrastructure and permitting processes and key relationships with department leadership to ensure that he can improve the local filming processes and experiences for LA’s entertainment industry.
As the Mayor’s Liaison to the Film and Television Industry, President Kang will be tasked with engaging on a comprehensive strategy to keep production in Los Angeles, including continuing the implementation of the Mayor’s Executive Directive 8 and 11, which make it easier for studios and independent producers alike to shoot movies, television shows and commercials here in Los Angeles by lowering costs and streamlining processes for on-location filming, and increasing access to some of the city’s most iconic locations. His role also includes engaging with industry stakeholders with on-location filming matters, and working with City departments to troubleshoot and streamline any issues that arise. President Kang will be supported with additional resources to effectively carry out his role.
“I have full confidence that President Steve Kang will deliver in his role as City Film Liaison by finding solutions that protect our signature industry and ensure that local filming of TV shows, movies and commercials can successfully continue and expand,” said Mayor Bass. “With the successful expansion of the California Film & TV Tax Credit and our ongoing efforts to improve local processes, our work continues to keep production jobs here and support small businesses who rely on the industry.”
“Local filming is vital to our city’s economy and City departments must prioritize their success,” said President Steve Kang and Mayor Bass’ newly appointed Liaison to the Film and Television Industry. “I thank Mayor Bass for entrusting this role to me and will be dedicated to delivering on her vision for how we can best support local production.”
“By installing a Liaison to the Film and Television Industry, Mayor Bass is signaling her intention to continue to prioritize, support and fortify the Los Angeles film and television industry,” said producer Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Chair of Mayor Karen Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council and Founder/CEO of The Gotham Group. “President Kang knows the infrastructure of the city, knows the permitting process, knows how our local government works. Steve and his excellent team are ready to dive in and support Mayor Bass and her excellent team working hand-in-hand with the industry.”
With a record of building partnerships and delivering for Angelenos, as President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, President Kang leads the City’s oversight body for infrastructure and essential services for residents. Leading the Board, President Kang currently oversees the City’s contract with FilmLA while also working closely with the City’s Street Services and Special Event permits – including film production permits. This gives President Kang direct knowledge of which City departments and agencies to work with, how the permitting process functions, and how to balance industry needs with community impact.
The appointment of President Kang, continues Mayor Bass’ leadership on local policies and actions to ensure Los Angeles is a partner with the entertainment industry:
Supported the historic doubling of the State Film & TV Tax Credit Program to $750 million, originally created under Mayor Bass when she was Speaker of the State Assembly.
Celebrated the construction kickoff for Creators @ Laboratory — a transformative workforce development and content production hub located in South Los Angeles’ Crenshaw Empowerment District.
Issued Executive Directive 11 in May 2025 which makes it easier for studios and independent producers alike to shoot movies, television shows, and commercials here in Los Angeles by lowering costs and streamlining processes for on-location filming, and increasing access to some of the city’s most iconic locations.
Established an Entertainment Industry Council to draw on the expertise of industry leaders to keep production local.
Promoted a customer service-oriented culture towards the industry through ensuring each relevant City department appointed a film liaison, and strategized on policies that keep production and jobs in Los Angeles through Executive Directive 8.
Cut red tape and provided direct assistance with city departments to move studios and soundstages forward, bringing nearly 8 million square feet of soundstage, media production and associated creative office space in the pipeline within the City.