Unlocking the Potential: Addressing Underutilized Soundstage Space in Los Angeles
Los Angeles boasts the largest amount of soundstage space globally, yet a significant portion remains unutilized. FilmLA's data for the first half of 2025 reveals an average soundstage occupancy rate of 62%, a slight decrease from the previous year's 63%. This downward trend has been ongoing since the strike year of 2023, when soundstage occupancy in the L.A. area stood at 69%. The current occupancy rate marks a 35.4% decline from the peak of 96% in 2016, as reported in FilmLA's inaugural "Sound Stage Production Report."
FilmLA, the film office partner for the City and County of Los Angeles and other local jurisdictions, notes a 5% increase in the total number of projects filmed on participant stages from 2023 to 2024, rising from 1,225 to 1,287. However, there was an 8% decrease in the total number of shoot days, dropping from 8,671 to 7,940 during the same period. This decline is largely attributed to a 23% decrease in shoot days associated with scripted TV productions on participant stages between 2023 and 2024.
A "shoot day" is defined by FilmLA as one crew's permitted filming at one or more locations within a 24-hour period. The report includes data from 17 studio participants, encompassing major legacy studios and larger independents, which collectively represent approximately 75% of the current 6.9 million square feet of certified stage space in the Los Angeles market. Despite Los Angeles maintaining its position as the primary hub for sound stages, competing markets such as New York and the UK have doubled their stage inventories over the past five years.
The decline in on-location filming in Los Angeles is evident, with a 16.1% decrease in 2025 following a 14% drop in 2024 and a 20% decline in 2023. This trend underscores the challenges faced by the local film industry in maximizing the available soundstage space and attracting productions to the region.
In conclusion, while Los Angeles remains a prominent destination for soundstage productions, there is a pressing need to address the underutilization of existing stage space and reverse the downward trend in on-location filming. Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and policymakers may be necessary to enhance the competitiveness of the L.A. market and capitalize on its potential as a premier filming location.