Keep Film in LA Rally
On April 6, 2025, “Stay in LA” hosted a rally at SirReel Studio Services in Sun Valley. A series of speakers, including local, state, and national politicians took the stage and called on leadership to do more to help our industry. It is well known that film, TV, and commercial production support tens of thousands of workers in Southern California.
Working with government representatives, IATSE, and other trade organizations, Stay in LA formed after the devastating wildfires that subsequently hindered production. The organization created a slate of proposals to be included in the overall disaster relief efforts. One proposal would remove tax-incentive caps for productions that shoot in Los Angeles County.
Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) attended the rally because Hollywood production is incredibly important to our local and state economy. “This is a nationwide issue, we’re competing against countries taking our business, our assets, our storytelling and hiring their crews instead of our crews, and that’s not good for business,” he said.
The speakers called for more localized help for Los Angeles, urging local government and the state of California to take action to reduce the cost of filming in LA. Speakers at the rally called on studios and streamers to pledge that at least ten percent of their productions locate in Los Angeles. They called for lowering or eliminating local film permit fees, and create more crew parking at affordable rates.
“In 2020, a generational pandemic shuttered production and post-production, pushed projects out of state, and left behind California’s creators, crew members and the surrounding businesses that support production, including technicians, makeup artists, hairstylists, and editors.” said Pamala Buzick Kim, a production talent representative and founding member of the organization. “Now, we turn to our government to act,” said Buzick Kim, “to pass legislation that keeps entertainment in California, invests in our communities, and helps rebuild an industry and save a dream at risk of disappearing.”
Despite the end of the SAG and WGA labor strikes, production has been slow to recover. Filming in Los Angeles has dropped thirty percent over the last five years, the annual sound stage occupancy dropped and entertainment companies have slashed spending on productions as many have taken advantage of lucrative tax incentives offered outside California. The rally reached out to the community for support, and was well attended by members of SAG, WGA, and IATSE. Crew members, business owners, community organizers, and union officials were also in attendance.
L.A. City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla (District 6) called upon her elected colleagues to help with the cause. “Councilmembers are talking about it. With an upcoming City Council vote, we hope to make some changes.” she said. “To everyone who lives in LA, I highly encourage you to call or write your councilmembers. Make it a priority. Let your voice be heard. We all are in favor of keeping jobs in Los Angeles, that I can assure you.”
Local 695 members were well represented by Yvette Marxer, Sam Hamer, Jennifer Winslow, and Kevin Sante, among others from sister LA locals. Sam Hamer commented: “It was heartening to see so many people from so many crafts here to show support and let our elected representatives know that the film industry isn’t just about premieres and private jets; it’s working-class tradesmen and women supporting families and supporting the small businesses that keep this town going.”
Ms. Marxer explained the need for this rally. “What started with just a handful of determined crew members has grown into a powerful force—exactly what we witnessed at this event. Our elected representatives are finally starting to take note. But this is just the beginning. We must keep showing up, keep raising our voices, and together, keep building the future!”
Jennifer Winslow stated, “695 and all the IATSE representatives who traveled to Sacramento have been instrumental in bringing about this change. It’s good to have boots on the ground in multiple forms and different arenas. There’s power in the voicing of our concerns to our leaders in government. The more we join together in the form of rallies, letter writing, and calling our representatives, the better.”
In Memoriam
Thomas R. Loewy Y-4
May 30, 1949 – June 26, 2024
John Hill Jr. Y-4
January 21, 1950 – January 22, 2025
John Hill, owner/operator of Video Assist Systems, Inc., passed away on January 22.
An icon in the commercial world, and at the forefront of technology, beginning in the early 1980s. John was much loved, and in-demand for his calm demeanor and expertise. On March 22, there was a memorial and remembrance of John’s life at a tavern in Canoga Park. Some of the attendees were Roger Daniell, Crew Chamberlain, Moe Chamberlain, Cory Glazer, Jora Nelstein, and Randy Johnson.
Randy Johnson
Rallies Work
On April 29, 2025, LA City Council voted unanimously to approve Council member Adrian Nazarian’s motion to help keep film and TV production in Los Angeles. This includes establishment of more competitive fee structures and streamlining film permit reviews in the city. All of the city agencies involved in film and TV production will research and give recommendations on how to cut the red tape. Rank-and-file production workers, representatives of motion picture trade and craft unions rallied with councilmembers to help push this measure through.
In Nazarian’s motion, the City Chief Legislative Analyst and all relevant city departments are being called upon to recommend adjustments to city fees, permits, parking, and security requirements for shooting in LA, as well as on city-owned property. Certifying new sound stages is also being considered. With LA’s vast pool of talent, experienced workers, and superior facilities, the city is invested in discovering opportunities to bring motion picture employment back to the city of Los Angeles.
This is a win for IATSE! Stay involved, call, or write your representatives and city councilmembers. Contact the Local 695 office for more information.
New Members
Local 695 Welcomes its New Members
Jason Bowden Y-4
Benjamin Cohen Y-13
Adrien Morales Y-7
David Schwerkolt Y-4
Roderick Sigmon A-2
Entertainment Community Fund: Resource Portal
The Entertainment Community Fund, formerly The Actors Fund, has recently launched an online portal where they host a variety of free programs and services. Their portal is designed to cater to entertainment professionals’ individual needs and interests, offering access to a wide range of workshops, programs, and resources—all with the guidance and understanding of what it takes to build a life and career in an often-unpredictable industry.
This resource is completely free to IATSE members and can be accessed via the “Portal Login” at: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/