Los Angeles vs Las Vegas: Who will control the movie industry?

Hollywood's production landscape is shifting. With California updating its film incentives and Las Vegas emerging as a rising competitor, filmmakers are weighing their options for the best locations to shoot. As tax breaks evolve and new hubs gain traction, these changes could reshape the industry, impacting studios, independent creators, and production companies alike.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
March 18, 2025

Hi there,

In this edition, we’re diving into two major developments shaping the film industry.

First, California has updated its film incentive program, aiming to keep Hollywood productions from moving elsewhere. The revised tax breaks provide increased benefits to productions that hire locally and invest in infrastructure, but will they be enough to stop the ongoing trend of productions seeking cheaper alternatives?

Meanwhile, Las Vegas is positioning itself as a serious competitor to Hollywood, with Mel Gibson among those championing the city as a prime filming location. Thanks to lower costs, favorable tax conditions, and expanding production facilities, more filmmakers are eyeing Vegas as a go-to destination for major projects.

California Expands Film Incentives to Keep Productions from Leaving

California has introduced updated tax incentives to retain film and TV productions amid increasing competition from other states. The new program offers greater benefits to productions that hire locally and invest in in-state infrastructure, aiming to combat runaway productions that move to places with lower costs. While the updated incentives may help keep more projects in Hollywood, some industry experts question whether they are enough to counter rising production costs and attractive tax breaks offered by other states.

Las Vegas Gains Momentum as a New Filmmaking Hub

Las Vegas is emerging as a serious competitor to Hollywood, with Mel Gibson among the industry figures endorsing it as a prime production location. Gibson praised Vegas for its lower costs, streamlined permitting process, and expanding production facilities, arguing that it offers a more affordable alternative to California. While Hollywood remains the entertainment capital, Vegas’ growing appeal raises questions about the future of film production locations and whether more big-budget movies will shift away from California.

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Don’t miss out on the full stories and insights shaping the future of entertainment. Tap into these trends now to stay ahead of the curve and navigate the industry's biggest transformations.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Mel Gibson, whom Trump praised as ‘special envoy,’ embraces Las Vegas movie production as Hollywood struggles

Las Vegas is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to Hollywood, with Mel Gibson among those advocating for its potential as a major film production center. Lower costs, an expanding production infrastructure, and a more flexible permitting process are making Vegas increasingly attractive to filmmakers. As the industry shifts, more productions may choose to bypass California in favor of Las Vegas.

Lights, Camera, Tax Breaks: California’s Updated Film Incentives

California has updated its film tax credit program, offering larger incentives for productions that hire locally and invest in infrastructure. The move is aimed at preventing productions from relocating to other states with more competitive tax breaks. While the new incentives may help keep some projects in Hollywood, rising production costs and increasing competition still pose challenges.

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