In 2024, soundstage usage in the Greater Los Angeles region fell to 63%, marking a decrease of 6% compared to 2023, as stated in a report published Thursday by Film LA. This ongoing decline has been flagged by authorities as concerning amid efforts within the film sector to bounce back from both the effects of the pandemic and a double-sided workers' strike.
Due to difficult years, the region's soundstage occupancy rates, which were consistently in the 90th percentile between 2016 and 2022, dropped significantly. By 2023, the average regional studio occupancy had fallen to 69%, further decreasing to 63% in 2024.
Based on information provided by Film LA, which serves as an official filming agency for the city and county of Los Angeles along with various local authorities, their recent Sound Stage Production Report revealed a deceleration in worldwide content creation.
The Sound Stage Production Report consolidates information from 17 contributing studios within the area. This report includes details about soundstage and backlot usage for filming in 2023 along with occupancy statistics for 2024. Additionally, it offers a contrast between the accessible stage areas in the Los Angeles zone versus key rival markets both in 2025 and half a decade prior.
In 2023, a total of 1,225 projects were shot across 447 stages analyzed by Film LA. These productions accounted for 8,671 stage shooting days—fewer than in any examined timeframe aside from 2020, which saw an industry halt due to the impact of COVID-19.
The data indicated that the creation of TV series dropped by 10%. According to recent statistics, these projects made up just 20% of total productions occurring on certified sets and outdoor lots within Los Angeles. However, in prior years, television series constituted 30% of all film shoots based on stages.
Philip Sokoloski, who speaks for Film LA, pointed out that the occupancy of stages and their usage are different concepts.
"A stage setup can generate employment opportunities solely during its construction phase or when it’s being used. Although television production budgets have gone up, the number of episodes per season has decreased, leading to extended gaps between seasons. According to Sokoloski, one must concentrate on the total days spent filming on set to truly grasp the reduction in job prospects within these statistics," he stated.
The document pointed out that subpar soundstage utilization is also a worry for entities beyond California.
Over the past five years, regions like the United Kingdom, New York, Georgia, and Ontario, Canada, have increased their stage-based production capabilities twofold. However, the scarcity of projects poses challenges for filling these expanded studio spaces effectively.
Given approximately 8 million square feet of production space for stages in Los Angeles, along with 13 anticipated and proposed studio initiatives currently in development, this problem will continue to occur. According to Film LA, such facilities do offer an edge.
Sokoloski forecasted that regions excelling henceforth would likely have consistent high rates of soundstage utilization coupled with substantial employment growth, thereby luring more filmmaking endeavors.
We support the initiative of state leaders to expand California’s film incentive program," Sokoloski stated, adding that they are actively involved in discussions with city and county collaborators to enhance the local filming atmosphere.