Tracking film, TV activity

Are they shooting a TV episode on your block? Has a location scout asked to use your house to film a TV commercial? Has a police car chase scene for next summer’s action thriller tied up your commute home?

Dealing with location filming is as much a part of living in Los Angeles as Sig Alerts and Lakers flags. Still, the rubberneckers in us are curious to know what is filming on location, and where. So, with the help of FilmLA, the group that handles film permits, Company Town presents “On Location,” a chart that will track film and TV production activity in and around L.A.

The chart gives a sampling of upcoming films, TV shows and commercials that are scheduled for on-location filming across the city and county. It includes a weekly tally comparing production activity with the same period a year ago.

On-location filming is one of the underpinnings of the local entertainment economy. As the lifeblood of businesses that supply the film production industry -- caterers, equipment rental shops, prop houses -- it is a key source of employment for thousands of people.

The chart will reflect the degree to which L.A. is struggling to keep movies and TV shows from leaving Hollywood. Feature film production recently dropped to its lowest level on record, largely reflecting the flow of production to cheaper locales outside California.

More than 30 states offer tax credits and rebates to lure filmmakers, a fact highlighted recently when the California Legislature adopted its first film tax credits. Whether it will work remains to be seen. Look to “On Location” for clues.

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