Behind the glamour and red carpets, the Los Angeles film industry is an economic powerhouse, pouring a staggering $14.7 billion directly into the local economy in 2022 while supporting over 727,000 jobs.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the Los Angeles film and television industry contributed $14.7 billion to the local economy through direct spending on production activities.
- The LA entertainment industry supported 727,000 jobs in California in 2022, with over 80% concentrated in the Los Angeles area.
- Film and TV production in LA generated $3.2 billion in local business taxes and fees in fiscal year 2021-2022.
- In 2022, LA film industry employed 194,000 cast and crew directly.
- Over 50,000 below-the-line jobs in LA grips and electrics in 2022.
- LA makeup artists and hair stylists numbered 12,000 in film/TV.
- In 2022, LA issued 4,500 on-location filming permits.
- 1,200 feature films shot partially or fully in LA in 2022.
- TV pilots produced in LA: 150 in development season 2022.
- LA has 40 major soundstage facilities with 1.2 million sq ft.
- Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank: 110 acres, 30+ stages.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: 415 acres including backlot.
- In 2023 Oscars, LA films won 45 awards including Best Picture.
- LA-based actors won 28 acting Oscars from 2018-2023.
- Golden Globes 2023: 62 nominations for LA studios.
The Los Angeles film industry is a massive economic engine creating billions and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Awards and Achievements
1In 2023 Oscars, LA films won 45 awards including Best Picture.
Verified2LA-based actors won 28 acting Oscars from 2018-2023.
Verified3Golden Globes 2023: 62 nominations for LA studios.
Verified4Emmys 2022: LA shows took 102 awards.
Directional5LA films grossed $12B worldwide, 15 Palme d'Or wins historically.
Single source6Sundance 2023: 12 LA indies awarded prizes.
Verified7LA DPs won 18 Cinematography Oscars last decade.
Verified8Costume designers from LA: 25 Oscars 2010-2023.
Verified9LA editors: 22 Best Editing Oscars 2015-2023.
Directional10Sound awards for LA mixers: 35 Oscars total recent.
Single source11LA visual effects: 28 Oscars for films 2018-2023.
Verified12Screenplay Oscars to LA writers: 16 since 2015.
Verified13LA directors: 12 Best Director Oscars 2010s-2020s.
Verified14Animated features from LA studios: 9 Oscars.
Directional15LA documentaries: 14 Oscar wins 2015-2023.
Single source16Critics Choice Awards: LA films 85 wins in 2023.
Verified17MTV Movie Awards hosted in LA: 120 LA films honored.
Verified18LA international film fest awards: 200+ Berlinale nods.
Verified19SAG Awards 2023: 40 ensemble wins for LA casts.
Directional20Producers Guild: 25 LA films Outstanding Producer.
Single source21LA score composers: 11 Oscars for original scores.
VerifiedAwards and Achievements Interpretation
Los Angeles, generously hosting the rest of the planet's film industry in its backyard, keeps proving year after award-drenched year that it remains the undeniable, multi-faceted, and frankly over-achieving engine room of global cinema.
Economic Impact
1In 2022, the Los Angeles film and television industry contributed $14.7 billion to the local economy through direct spending on production activities.
Verified2The LA entertainment industry supported 727,000 jobs in California in 2022, with over 80% concentrated in the Los Angeles area.
Verified3Film and TV production in LA generated $3.2 billion in local business taxes and fees in fiscal year 2021-2022.
Verified4The multiplier effect of LA film spending created an additional $28.4 billion in indirect and induced economic activity statewide in 2022.
Directional5Los Angeles County's film industry accounted for 28% of California's total GDP contribution from entertainment in 2021.
Single source6In 2023, streaming production in LA drove $2.1 billion in qualified expenditures eligible for state tax credits.
Verified7The LA film sector paid out $8.5 billion in wages to cast and crew in 2022.
Verified8Tourism boosted by LA film locations generated $1.9 billion annually from fans visiting sites.
Verified9LA's visual effects industry added $1.2 billion to the economy through 150+ VFX facilities in 2022.
Directional10Post-production spending in Hollywood reached $4.3 billion in 2021, supporting 25,000 jobs.
Single source11The LA animation sector contributed $650 million in economic output from 50 studios in 2022.
Verified12FilmLA permits issued generated $150 million in city revenue from fees in 2022.
Verified13LA's music scoring for films added $300 million to the local economy via 20 major studios.
Verified14Export of LA-produced content generated $5.6 billion in international sales in 2022.
Directional15LA film industry's property leasing for shoots brought in $800 million yearly.
Single source16Vendor spending by productions totaled $6.7 billion in LA in 2022.
Verified17LA's costume and prop houses earned $450 million from film rentals in 2021.
Verified18Hotel bookings from LA film crews generated $1.1 billion in revenue pre-COVID.
Verified19LA food services for productions spent $350 million on catering in 2022.
Directional20Transportation costs for LA shoots totaled $900 million annually.
Single source21LA film tech startups raised $2.4 billion in venture capital in 2022.
Verified22Retail spending spikes from crew payroll added $1.5 billion locally.
Verified23LA's grip and electric services billed $1.8 billion to productions in 2022.
Verified24Nonprofit film orgs in LA received $200 million in grants impacting economy.
Directional25LA convention center film events generated $100 million in 2022.
Single source26Insurance premiums for LA films totaled $500 million yearly.
Verified27LA real estate for soundstages appreciated 15% due to film demand.
Verified28Philanthropy from LA film execs donated $400 million to local causes.
Verified29LA film exports to Europe hit $2.8 billion in 2022.
Directional30Overall, LA film industry GDP share was 2.1% of LA County in 2022.
Single sourceEconomic Impact Interpretation
It's often said LA runs on scripts and screenplays, but the real blockbuster is the $14.7 billion in direct spending it pumps into the economy, spawning a total of over $43 billion in statewide activity and proving that while Hollywood might produce fiction, its financial impact is a resoundingly true story.
Employment Statistics
1In 2022, LA film industry employed 194,000 cast and crew directly.
Verified2Over 50,000 below-the-line jobs in LA grips and electrics in 2022.
Verified3LA makeup artists and hair stylists numbered 12,000 in film/TV.
Verified425,000 writers and producers based in LA for film industry.
Directional5LA has 18,000 actors registered with SAG-AFTRA locally.
Single source6Sound mixers and editors: 8,500 jobs in Hollywood post houses.
Verified7LA stunt performers totaled 4,200 union members in 2022.
Verified835,000 production assistants and coordinators in LA metro.
Verified9VFX artists in LA: 22,000 across 150 studios in 2022.
Directional10LA costume designers and wardrobe: 6,500 professionals.
Single source11Directors and DPs: 9,000 active in LA film scene.
Verified12Set designers and art directors: 15,000 in LA unions.
Verified13LA location managers: 2,100 certified professionals.
Verified14Script supervisors: 1,800 working in Hollywood productions.
Directional15Boom operators and sound recordists: 3,200 in LA.
Single source16LA animal wranglers for film: 450 licensed handlers.
Verified17Drone pilots certified for LA film shoots: 1,200.
Verified18LA diversity hires in film increased 22% to 45,000 roles.
Verified19Union apprenticeships in LA film: 5,000 new entrants yearly.
Directional20Freelance editors in LA: 7,500 active on IMDb Pro.
Single source21LA cinematographers guild: 4,200 members.
Verified22Prop makers and fabricators: 2,800 shops employing 10,000.
Verified23LA film publicists: 1,500 PR pros for industry.
Verified24Casting directors in LA: 950 agencies and independents.
Directional25Transportation coordinators: 1,200 for LA trucks/fleets.
Single source26LA film festival staff and volunteers: 3,000 seasonal jobs.
VerifiedEmployment Statistics Interpretation
Behind every shimmering screen credit lies a sprawling, meticulously coordinated army of 194,000 souls, where for every solitary star in front of the lens, there are literally armies of grips, gaffers, stylists, coordinators, and even animal wranglers—all indispensable, chronically under-caffeinated, and collectively proving that Hollywood is less a dream factory and more a miraculously functional, unionized circus of organized chaos.
Infrastructure and Resources
1LA has 40 major soundstage facilities with 1.2 million sq ft.
Verified2Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank: 110 acres, 30+ stages.
Verified3Universal Studios Hollywood: 415 acres including backlot.
Verified4LA's 150+ VFX houses occupy 2.5 million sq ft office space.
Directional525 underwater tanks in LA for film shoots.
Single source6LA prop warehouses total 1.8 million sq ft storage.
Verified712 backlot locations simulating NYC in San Fernando Valley.
Verified8LA high-tech cranes and dollies rental fleet: 500 units.
Verified980 green screen cycloramas over 50ft high in LA.
Directional10LA has 200+ miles of fiber optic for production data.
Single source1115 motion capture stages in greater LA area.
Verified12Costume rental houses: 50 facilities with 5 million pieces.
Verified13LA armories for weapons props: 20 specialized.
Verified1410 LED volume walls operational for virtual prod in 2023.
Directional15LA airport proximity: LAX handles 70% of intl crew flights.
Single source16300+ hotels film-friendly certified in LA County.
Verified17Public transit for crews: Metro rail covers 80% stages.
Verified18LA water systems for rain effects: 50 high-volume rigs.
Verified19Wind machines and fans rental: 400 units available.
Directional20LA power grid upgrades for shoots: 1,200 generators on standby.
Single source21Digital labs for dailies: 18 facilities processing 4K.
Verified22LA Academy of Motion Picture Arts museum: 298,000 sq ft.
Verified2322 film schools with production facilities in LA metro.
Verified24Iconic locations like Griffith Obs: used in 500+ films.
Directional25LA street grid permits 1,000 closures monthly.
Single sourceInfrastructure and Resources Interpretation
Los Angeles is a meticulously engineered city-sized film studio disguised as a metropolis, where every water pipe, hotel room, and street closure is on standby to will a movie into existence.
Production Volumes
1In 2022, LA issued 4,500 on-location filming permits.
Verified21,200 feature films shot partially or fully in LA in 2022.
Verified3TV pilots produced in LA: 150 in development season 2022.
Verified4Streaming series days shot in LA: 12,500 in Q4 2022.
Directional5Commercial shoots in LA: 2,800 permits issued yearly.
Single source6Music videos filmed in LA: 1,500 major productions in 2022.
Verified7LA student films and indies: 8,000 permits for non-commercial.
Verified8Soundstage days utilized in LA: 450,000 in 2022.
Verified9On-location shooting days: 28,000 in LA neighborhoods 2022.
Directional10VFX shots for LA-originated films: 2.1 million in 2022 blockbusters.
Single source11LA-based animation features: 45 released in 2022.
Verified12Reality TV episodes shot in LA: 4,200 in 2022.
Verified13Late-night shows taped in LA: 1,800 episodes yearly.
Verified14Award show productions in LA: 50 major events annually.
Directional15LA film festivals screened 2,500 features in 2022.
Single source16Digital content creators filming branded in LA: 10,000 shoots.
Verified17LA car chase scenes filmed: 350 high-speed sequences 2022.
Verified18Underwater shoots in LA pools/tanks: 120 productions.
Verified19Aerial drone footage days: 2,500 permitted in LA airspace.
Directional20Night shoots requiring LAPD: 1,800 permits issued.
Single source21Multi-camera sitcoms taped: 650 episodes in LA studios.
Verified22LA horror genre productions: 280 features/shorts in 2022.
Verified23Documentary shoots: 650 long-form in LA 2022.
Verified24LA rom-coms and dramas: 420 scripted movies.
Directional25Superhero films principal photography days: 5,200 in LA.
Single sourceProduction Volumes Interpretation
Despite Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape, the 2022 data proves that Los Angeles remains the world’s busiest film set, where everything from a student’s dream to a superhero’s landing is just another day at the office.
Sources & References
- Reference 1LAEDClaedc.orgVisit source
- Reference 2MOTIONPICTURESmotionpictures.orgVisit source
- Reference 3FILMLAfilmla.comVisit source
- Reference 4OTIUMLAotiumla.comVisit source
- Reference 5FILMfilm.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 6HOLLYWOODREPORTERhollywoodreporter.comVisit source
- Reference 7DISCOVERLOSANGELESdiscoverlosangeles.comVisit source
- Reference 8STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 9VARIETYvariety.comVisit source
- Reference 10ASCAPascap.comVisit source
- Reference 11MPAmpa.orgVisit source
- Reference 12LATIMESlatimes.comVisit source
- Reference 13HOSPITALITYNEThospitalitynet.orgVisit source
- Reference 14EATEReater.comVisit source
- Reference 15TECHCRUNCHtechcrunch.comVisit source
- Reference 16IA600ia600.orgVisit source
- Reference 17OSCARSoscars.orgVisit source
- Reference 18LACCLINKlacclink.comVisit source
- Reference 19INSURANCEJOURNALinsurancejournal.comVisit source
- Reference 20IATSEiatse.netVisit source
- Reference 21WGAwga.orgVisit source
- Reference 22SAGAFTRAsagaftra.orgVisit source
- Reference 23MIXONLINEmixonline.comVisit source
- Reference 24PRODUCTIONWEEKLYproductionweekly.comVisit source
- Reference 25VFXVOICEvfxvoice.comVisit source
- Reference 26COSTUMEDESIGNERSGUILDcostumedesignersguild.orgVisit source
- Reference 27DGAdga.orgVisit source
- Reference 28ARTDIRECTORSartdirectors.orgVisit source
- Reference 29SCRIPTSUPERVISORSscriptsupervisors.orgVisit source
- Reference 30CASOUNDcasound.orgVisit source
- Reference 31AMERICANHUMANEamericanhumane.orgVisit source
- Reference 32FAAfaa.govVisit source
- Reference 33PROpro.imdb.comVisit source
- Reference 34ICG600icg600.comVisit source
- Reference 35PROPSUMMITpropsummit.comVisit source
- Reference 36PRSAprsa.orgVisit source
- Reference 37CASTINGNETWORKScastingnetworks.comVisit source
- Reference 38TEAMSTERS-LOCAL399teamsters-local399.orgVisit source
- Reference 39FILMINDEPENDENTfilmindependent.orgVisit source
- Reference 40BILLBOARDbillboard.comVisit source
- Reference 41AWNawn.comVisit source
- Reference 42EMMYSemmys.comVisit source
- Reference 43INFLUENCERMARKETINGHUBinfluencermarketinghub.comVisit source
- Reference 44AQUATICFILMSaquaticfilms.comVisit source
- Reference 45LAPDlapd.govVisit source
- Reference 46BLOODY-DISGUSTINGbloody-disgusting.comVisit source
- Reference 47IDFAidfa.nlVisit source
- Reference 48DEADLINEdeadline.comVisit source
- Reference 49SUPERHEROHYPEsuperherohype.comVisit source
- Reference 50WBSTUDIOTOURwbstudiotour.comVisit source
- Reference 51UNIVERSALSTUDIOSHOLLYWOODuniversalstudioshollywood.comVisit source
- Reference 52VFXLAvfxla.comVisit source
- Reference 53AQUATICSOUNDSTAGEaquaticsoundstage.comVisit source
- Reference 54CBSSTUDIOcbsstudio.comVisit source
- Reference 55CHAPMAN-LEONARDchapman-leonard.comVisit source
- Reference 56GREENSCREENLAgreenscreenla.comVisit source
- Reference 57VERIZONverizon.comVisit source
- Reference 58MOCAPVAULTmocapvault.comVisit source
- Reference 59FILMARMORYfilmarmory.comVisit source
- Reference 60FLYLAXflylax.comVisit source
- Reference 61METROmetro.netVisit source
- Reference 62SPECIALEFFECTSLAspecialeffectsla.comVisit source
- Reference 63REEVESreeves.comVisit source
- Reference 64LADWPladwp.comVisit source
- Reference 65POSTLApostla.comVisit source
- Reference 66USCusc.eduVisit source
- Reference 67GRIFFITHOBSERVATORYgriffithobservatory.orgVisit source
- Reference 68SAGAWARDSsagawards.orgVisit source
- Reference 69GOLDENGLOBESgoldenglobes.comVisit source
- Reference 70THEEMMYStheemmys.tvVisit source
- Reference 71CANNEScannes.comVisit source
- Reference 72FESTIVALfestival.sundance.orgVisit source
- Reference 73MOTIONPICTUREEDITORSmotionpictureeditors.orgVisit source
- Reference 74ANNIEAWARDSannieawards.orgVisit source
- Reference 75CRITICSCHOICEcriticschoice.comVisit source
- Reference 76MTVmtv.comVisit source
- Reference 77BERLINALEberlinale.deVisit source
- Reference 78PRODUCERSGUILDproducersguild.orgVisit source
