NEWS YOU CAN USE
A curated set of articles from your team at San Diego Media Pros to share pertinent information with you from the production world.
Film initiative funding passed
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors restored $200,000 to restore a position devoted to promoting San Diego as a setting for movies and TV.
Microdramas Are Coming to a Theater Near You
aTwist, the new company from a trio of Hollywood veterans, has inked a partnership with National CineMedia to advertise their series and hawk some products
The Director’s Reality Check
If you’ve been directing for a while, you can feel the shift.
Not in headlines. On set.
Days are moving faster. Crews are smaller. Expectations haven’t dropped—but the margin for error definitely has. You’re being asked to do more with less, and still make it look like you had everything.
That’s the job now.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about understanding what’s actually changing and adjusting before it costs you time, money, or credibility.
This is why you try to save production…
From florists to prop rentals to catering and beyond, production services and craft businesses are the hub and spoke of L.A.'s film and TV industry. But many of these businesses — some of which have been family-operated for generations — are struggling to weather a post-pandemic slump in film activity deepened by runaway production, media consolidation and the end of the streaming boom.
Why Netflix Keeps Repeating the Plot
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon discuss how when films are primarily for streaming platforms like Netflix, the assumption is that viewers won’t be fully paying attention.
Chula Vista bets on tax credits for production
Just like other projects Chula Vista has slated for its future, the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex has an ambitious goal: to become Southern California’s newest film production hub.
Matthew McConaughey, Michael Caine Team Up for AI-Generated Versions of Their Voices
Actors Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine have teamed with AI audio company ElevenLabs to produce virtual replications of their famous voices.
Remembering Dedo Weigert, Oscar-Winning Lighting Pioneer
The cinematographer-turned-inventor who transformed film lighting with his revolutionary Dedolight system passed away
Remembering Jack Ofield
SDSU Emeritus Professor of Film in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film Jack (John) Ofield has passed away at 91.
The new tech making movie car stunts more realistic
Pixomondo is the visual effects studio behind Star Trek and House of the Dragon. Reporting for BBC Tech Now, Alasdair Keane heads behind the scenes of their new studio in Canada to see how their latest technology is making movie car stunts more realistic.
The Wall Street Journal Tested Google Veo and Runway to Create an AI Film
From the technology consultant with the WSJ, this is a great glimpse into AI movie making.
California’s Film Production Crisis
For those who want to know what's really happening with the production issues here in California, you may want to watch this roundtable discussion.
Six of Cinema’s Super-Producers Offer Their Best Advice
Tips from Hollywood’s hottest producers. Six of Cinema’s Super-Producers Offer Their Best Advice
L.A. ON-LOCATION FILMING FALLS IN FIRST QUARTER
Down but not out!
FIlm and television production fell in the first quarter of this year, according to FilmLA.
Goodbye to green?
If you’re feeling Blue, that may not be a bad thing anymore.
L.A.’s production woes worsen as soundstages go unused at historic levels
These stages apparently aren’t sound.
Film Permit Costs around the U.S.
A quick look at some production fees across the country. C’mon LA?
Hollywood producers say they are misunderstood. Here’s what they’re doing about it
The real producers. They are not the big wigs portrayed in the old movies. They are working folks like the rest of us. And they are trying to set the record straight about what they do.
Commercial Filmmaking Trend Report - 2025
While it may be difficult to spot a trend before it happens, once they're there it's a neat thing to see what they are. This 2025 Trend Report on Commercial Filmmaking from Film Supply gives a unique glance at current trends in our industry.
Governor Newsom proposes historic expansion of film & TV tax credit program
A proposal from the Governor would double the film tax credit in California.