LA film production down by 50 percent since 1996

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When it comes to making feature films and television dramas, producers are increasingly seeking locations outside Los Angeles.

The Daily News (http://bit.ly/1iVX0NI ) cites a FilmLA report that finds feature filming in the area plummeted 50 percent from its peak in 1996. TV drama production is down 39 percent from its 2008 peak.

FilmLA is a nonprofit that facilitates film permits across Southern California. The report looks at 20 years of data.

Features and TV dramas are the highest-spending and most job-producing of the various types of film work. Their decline is blamed primarily on the 40-plus other states and foreign countries that lure producers with tax credits and other incentives.

Lower-value productions such as reality TV shows and still photo shoots are up 16 percent in the past six years.

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Information from: (Los Angeles) Daily News, http://www.dailynews.com