Hollywood Seeks to Boost Local Film Production in Response to California Wildfires’ Quiet Impact

Getty Images Hollywood may be known as Tinseltowna dream factory at the heart of the global entertainment industry. However, nowadays crews are more likely to film in Atlanta, London, Toronto or Sydney than in Los Angeles. Cheaper labor and better tax breaks have lured producers away from the City of Angels for years.

The wildfires that killed at least 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes have only added to this existential crisis facing Hollywood. Local residents like production designer Matthew Worthington, along with many others who have lost their homes or livelihoods in the fires, are grappling with a future that looks increasingly uncertain. “If we let Hollywood die,” co-founder of Stay in LA Jamie Morse warns, “it could be for good.”

But there is also hope and resilience among those who remain committed to making it through this difficult time. Matthew Ferraro, whose music studio was destroyed by the fires, says that he’s still processing what has happened but remains optimistic about his future in LA. “I think it’s wishful thinking for people who are still in love with yesteryear’s dream of Hollywood,” Ferraro admits, “but that doesn’t mean there won’t be beautiful creative things to come out of this very crappy time.”

In the meantime, efforts to restore Hollywood to its former glory continue. President Donald Trump has pledged his support through actors like Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone who have been appointed as “special ambassadors” for troubled Hollywood. Meanwhile, California Governor Jerry Brown continues to push for more generous tax breaks that could incentivize studios to return.

But whether these efforts will succeed remains uncertain. The decline of Hollywood productions has parallels with the fall of Detroit’s once-formidable automotive industry, which collapsed and left much of the city desolate and impoverished. If Hollywood is allowed to die, warns Jamie Morse, “it could be for good.”

Nevertheless, many remain hopeful that this crisis will not bring an end to Los Angeles’ role as a global hub for entertainment. As they weather the storm together, residents like Worthington and Morse are finding strength in each other’s support and determination.