In November 2025, the Culver City Council voted for a package of incentives to support the film industry that went into effect on December 1, putting into place what was called “ a comprehensive set of measures designed to support recovery for film and television.” The original ordinance offered free production parking, a partial credit for film permit fees above 2024 rates, and suspension of city business tax collection.
Then, the city made it even better. As of May 11, 2026, more production-friendly incentives have been put in place. The per-application Motion and Still Photography fees charged by Culver City will be fully waived for a savings of $660 per permit. The minimum insurance requirements to film in Culver City have also been reduced, to match the lower liability limits agreed to by other nearby municipalities.
Culver City is also offering a full waiver that will reduce costs by up to 60%, with the City’s Daily Use Fee for Motion ($350) and Still Photography ($75) permits. With that additional savings, over the course of a typical three-day film shoot the total administration fee to film in Culver City will be reduced by $1,700 from already incentivized levels.
Since December 2025, there have been a total of 15 permits issued for filming in Culver City, reflecting 17 days of shooting.
Sweetening the deal was an easy choice. “The entertainment industry is part of Culver City’s identity and economic backbone,” said Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza. “I’m proud that our City Council approved meaningful incentives that support production, strengthen our local economy, and invest in the future of Screenland.”
Culver City’s Director of Economic Development, Elaine Warner, felt it would be advantageous for everyone. “We continue to refine the policy over time. We heard this was a need that was still outstanding. It’s an investment, but it is still a pilot program. The application fee subsidies will be charged against the current capped amount of $500,000 and would not create an additive fiscal impact [for the city.] Since December 2025, the City has subsidized approximately $33,846 in fees to support film activity and production in Culver City.
The challenges faced by production companies ripple out through the region. Puza added “Film and television production doesn’t just benefit studios; it supports local restaurants, vendors, hotels, workers, and small businesses across our entire community. We’re investing in an industry that has invested in our community for generations.”
Warner also noted that “By further reducing the cost to film here, we’re making it easier for productions of all sizes to choose Culver City, support our local businesses, and keep the Heart of Screenland active and accessible. This enhanced incentive shows we’re committed to being a film-friendly city.”
The State of California expanded its Film & Television Tax Credit Program in 2025, increasing statewide incentives to $750 million annually through 2030. The CBS series “Tracker” announced on May 5 that they would be returning to work in the Los Angeles area, leaving Canada to take advantage of the tax credits. The show’s next season will begin filming this summer.
The once-common white trailers were parked next to the side entrance of City Hall on Tuesday, May 12 for a shoot, but work was finished so quickly, they were gone before any photos of the production could be taken. But the ‘old-school’ movie camera that sits near the fountain in the courtyard at City Hall saw it all, a reminder of how much local history is connected to the industry.
Judith Martin-Straw
Editor’ s note – another version of this article appeared in Daily Varitey on May 12, 2026.
