Extending free filming at most city facilities and refunding sales tax for production-related purchases were approved Oct. 26 by the Los Angeles City Council with the aim to make it easier and cheaper to produce films, television shows and commercials within city limits. The measures are part of a larger commitment to make the city more cost-competitive in the fight to reduce the bottom line for productions and to create local jobs and stimulate the economy, said Councilman Richard Alarcon. The waiving of fees to film at most municipal facilities was extended for an additional four years, or until June 30, 2014. The waiver ordinance applies to all city departments except the Convention Center, El Pueblo, the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Zoo and the Warner Grand Theater. The second measure directs the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would allow for a 1-percent sales tax refund for purchases made in Los Angeles for qualifying film, television ad commercial productions. It also directs the city’s Office of Finance to create a program for implementing the tax rebate and to develop procedures that would prevent fraud and abuse. Other film-related initiatives the City Council has adopted in the past include direction to the city attorney to reduce the production tax for most local production companies filming in the city, waived fees of for the use of more than 100 city-owned parking lots during non-operating hours, the creation of the power nodes by the Department of Water and Power for the film industry at heavily filmed areas and the acceleration of permit processing. Jessica Vernabe
