DeKalb GA News

California has witnessed a decline in population over the past two years, with high taxes and regulations being pointed out as contributing factors. Initially, the exodus primarily involved residents pursuing better opportunities elsewhere. Recently, however, the entertainment sector has also started relocating for similar reasons, prompting concerns about Los Angeles's future without Hollywood—a definitive component of its identity.

According to The New York Post, there is rising apprehension among industry workers due to celebrities and production projects moving from Los Angeles to states like Texas and Florida. This trend was a key topic at an April 14 town hall meeting where lawmakers and movie producers discussed revising the state's entertainment production tax incentives to potentially cover up to 35% of qualified expenses. The proposed changes also aimed to expand the range of eligible productions for these subsidies.

Producer Noelle Stehman, involved in the "Stay in LA" campaign, stated at the meeting, "This is not hyperbole to say that if we don’t act, the California film and TV industry will become the next Detroit auto," as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Criticism has emerged within the industry itself. In a recent video, actor and filmmaker Rob Lowe voiced his disapproval of the high production costs in Hollywood and criticized political figures like Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass for their roles in the industry’s plight. Lowe remarked, "It’s criminal what California and LA have let happen. It’s criminal. Everybody should be fired."

Public sentiment echoes this sentiment. Social media user Kathy (@kathy25932350) commented on April 17, 2025, "Well the studios feed into the Democratic policies that are destroying them."

Despite the challenges, some argue that the situation will persist as long as similar leaders remain in office without acknowledging or addressing these pressing issues.