LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pledged the City’s renewed support for L.A.’s entertainment industry by issuing her eighth executive directive to streamline and focus City department processes for local film and television production. Leaders across the entertainment industry applauded Mayor Bass for taking action. Here’s what they’re saying:
Ken Ziffren, Partner, Ziffren Brittenham LLP
“Mayor Karen Bass is cognizant of both the challenges and opportunities facing the City in film and television production. All of us in the media and entertainment sector know that with her leadership, improvement is not only aspirational, it is within our reach.”
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, CEO of The Gotham Group, Chair of the Entertainment Industry Council
“Mayor Bass has demonstrated that she is listening to the entertainment industry and developing solutions that respond to our unique needs by issuing this executive directive to improve City processes for film and TV production permitting. This is just the beginning. Through Mayor Bass’ recently established Entertainment Industry Council, we will explore ways that the City can enhance current productions and return additional productions to the city of Los Angeles.”
Michael F. Miller, IATSE International Vice President and Department Director of the Motion Picture & Television Production Department
“We have the best entertainment industry workforce in the world here in Los Angeles and Mayor Bass is demonstrating her commitment to helping keep our members employed in the city many call home. This executive directive should help streamline the permitting process for productions and enhance coordination by stakeholders who share the common goal of keeping our industry growing and thriving. On behalf of all IA members, we appreciate the Mayor’s continued efforts to prioritize the health of the entertainment industry and its workers.”
Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association
“Los Angeles has been the home of the film, television, and streaming industry for over a century. Despite the challenges of the last several years, our industry continues to create thousands of high-quality, high-paying jobs in LA. We support local businesses and drive economic growth. While we are a global industry, Mayor Bass’s commitment to the motion picture industry will ensure a strong and robust creative community in Los Angeles for many years to come.
Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (Read here)
“We applaud Mayor Bass for her unwavering support of the film and television sector, a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ identity. Her proactive collaboration with industry leaders ensures that valuable feedback is effectively used to protect and advance this crucial industry, which offers significant employment opportunities for Angelenos.”
Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
“A healthy film and TV industry is critical to a healthy Los Angeles. Mayor Bass recognizes this and her new Executive Directive to regularly bring together industry stakeholders to coordinate with City staff will strengthen the historic and vital partnership between the City and the entertainment industry. This commitment to collaboration is a hallmark of the Mayor’s approach to governing and will be eagerly embraced by the industry.”
Cookie Parker, Co-chair, Entertainment Industry Council, Co-Founder and Board Member, Yes2Jobs
“Mayor Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council is an important step towards building a collaborative relationship with the entertainment industry, which is a vital economic driver for the City of Los Angeles. I am greatly encouraged by the steps Mayor Bass has taken to grow and support local film and television production, as well as building a diverse pipeline of talent into the industry.”
Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment
“Mayor Bass’ recent executive directive proves that she remains committed to supporting L.A.’s signature industry. Leading with collaboration and direct coordination between City departments and the entertainment industry will have an impact on our industry. Mayor Bass has listened and is taking quick and urgent action to ensure that the customer service experience is improved and a top priority for the City.”