Get ready to roll out the red carpet, LA! The City of Angels is abuzz with excitement as two Hollywood heavyweights, Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler, have joined forces to champion a vital cause: keeping production in LA. The duo has lent their star power to the “Stay In LA” campaign, a grassroots movement that’s gaining momentum by the minute. With over 15,000 supporters already on board, the campaign’s mission is clear: to boost local production and keep the creative magic of LA in-house. As the film and TV capital of the world, LA is the hub of the entertainment industry. But with production costs skyrocketing and studios eyeing cheaper locations, the city’s very essence is under threat. That’s where Keanu and Bette come in – two icons who’ve made LA their home and want to see the city continue to thrive as a creative hub. In this article, we’ll delve into the “Stay In LA” campaign,
LA’s Big Shot: Keanu Reeves & Bette Midler Join Stay In LA Campaign
The Stay in LA campaign has gained significant momentum with the recent addition of Hollywood heavyweights Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler to its list of supporters. The campaign, launched by Alexandra Pechman and Sarah Adina Smith, aims to encourage more production to return to the city following the devastating wildfires. The petition, which has now surpassed 15,000 signatures, is a testament to the growing concern among industry professionals about the impact of the wildfires on the local economy.
Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler join a long list of A-listers who have signed the petition, including Rian Johnson, Patty Jenkins, Joey King, Zooey Deschanel, Joshua Jackson, Olivia Wilde, Alex Winter, Kevin Bacon, Connie Britton, Charlie Hunnam, Sian Heder, and Jason Reitman. The campaign’s grassroots effort has garnered support from over 30 filmmakers and showrunners, including Nick Antosca, Julie Plec, Michael Sucsy, and Alex Winter in partnership with CA United, led by Pamala Buzick Kim, Wes Bailey, and Marie Dunaway.
The Stay in LA campaign proposes several measures to boost local production, including uncapping the tax incentive for productions that shoot in LA County for the next three years, reducing or eliminating permit fees, and addressing insurance restrictions. The campaign’s goals are centered around supporting the local economy and providing jobs for industry professionals who have been affected by the wildfires.
Campaign Gains Momentum
Petition Signatures: Over 15,000 and Counting
The petition has gained significant traction in a short span of time, with over 15,000 signatures and counting. This number is a testament to the growing concern among industry professionals about the impact of the wildfires on the local economy.
A-List Support: Keanu Reeves, Bette Midler, and Other Hollywood Heavyweights Join the Cause
The addition of Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler to the campaign’s list of supporters is a significant boost to the campaign’s credibility and visibility. Other A-listers who have signed the petition include Rian Johnson, Patty Jenkins, Joey King, Zooey Deschanel, Joshua Jackson, Olivia Wilde, Alex Winter, Kevin Bacon, Connie Britton, Charlie Hunnam, Sian Heder, and Jason Reitman.
The Call to Action
Uncapping Tax Incentives: A Solution to Boost Local Production
One of the key proposals put forth by the Stay in LA campaign is the uncapping of tax incentives for productions that shoot in LA County for the next three years. This move would provide significant financial incentives for productions to return to the city, thereby boosting local production.
Reducing Permit Fees: Lowering the Cost of Production for Filmmakers
The campaign also proposes reducing or eliminating permit fees for productions that shoot in LA County. This move would lower the cost of production for filmmakers, making it more attractive for them to shoot in the city.
Insurance Restrictions: Addressing the Needs of Production Companies
The campaign also addresses insurance restrictions, which have been a significant barrier to productions returning to the city. By addressing these restrictions, the campaign aims to provide greater flexibility and security for production companies.
The Fight for LA’s Future
The Human Side: Why Filmmakers Want to Stay in LA
For many industry professionals, the decision to stay in LA is a personal one. Filmmakers who have made their careers in the city want to continue living and working there, and the wildfires have made it increasingly difficult for them to do so.
The Business Side: How the Campaign Affects the Local Economy
The Stay in LA campaign is not just about supporting industry professionals; it’s also about supporting the local economy. By boosting local production, the campaign aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and preserve the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Impact on Small Businesses: Supporting the Backbone of the Industry
Small businesses are the backbone of the film industry, providing essential services such as equipment rentals, catering, and location management. The Stay in LA campaign aims to support these businesses by boosting local production and providing them with a steady stream of work.
The Road Ahead
Next Steps: What’s Needed to Make the Campaign a Reality
The Stay in LA campaign has made significant progress in a short span of time, but there is still much work to be done. The next steps will involve working with industry professionals, local government officials, and other stakeholders to make the campaign’s proposals a reality.
Industry Support: How Studios and Streamers Can Get Involved
The campaign is calling on studios and streamers to pledge at least 10% more production in LA over the next three years. This move would provide a significant boost to the local economy and help to preserve the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Power of the Petition: What Happens Next After 15,000 Signatures
The petition has gained significant traction, but it’s just the beginning. The campaign will continue to work towards its goals, and the petition will be used as a rallying cry for industry professionals and local government officials to take action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent announcement of Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler joining the “Stay in LA” campaign has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. The campaign, which aims to boost local production in Los Angeles, has already garnered over 15,000 signatures, demonstrating the overwhelming support for the initiative. As discussed in the article, the influx of Hollywood productions in LA has led to a surge in costs, making it increasingly difficult for local filmmakers to operate. This has resulted in many opting to leave the city, depriving LA of its creative talent and industry expertise.
The significance of this campaign cannot be overstated. If successful, it could pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable production landscape in LA, allowing local filmmakers to thrive and contributing to the city’s cultural and economic growth. Moreover, the involvement of industry icons like Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler lends credibility to the cause, amplifying the message and attracting attention from the wider entertainment community. As the campaign continues to gain momentum, it will be crucial to monitor its progress and assess its potential impact on the local film industry.