California, and Los Angeles in particular, has long been the epicenter of global entertainment but today our legacy is at risk. Over the past five years, film production in Los Angeles has plummeted by 30%, with 2024 marking one of the lowest production years since the pandemic. This issue is personal for me—my husband is a proud artist who relies on a thriving entertainment industry, just like many of our local small businesses. I will be a fierce advocate for strengthening our creative economy and keeping those jobs in Los Angeles. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the jobs, culture, and global influence that define our city and our state.

California must actively work to alleviate unnecessary burdens and streamline the bureaucratic processes that can inflate budgets and timelines. We need to foster stronger collaboration between the state and local governments to create a more film-friendly environment at the community level. Providing resources and best practices to local film commissions can empower them to efficiently support productions and navigate local regulations.

To secure California’s creative future, we must modernize our approach as the industry changes, and ensure AI does not encroach on people's jobs. Hollywood today is more than traditional film and television—it includes digital content, live experiences, gaming, and a highly technical workforce. What it means to work in entertainment includes many definitions, and our policies must evolve to reflect this new reality. That means expanding and updating our tax credit programs, streamlining permitting, and investing in training programs that reflect the industry's future.