FROM GRIDLOCK TO GREENLIGHT: WHY MORE PRODUCTIONS ARE CHOOSING LOCATIONS BEYOND LOS ANGELES
From Gridlock to Greenlight: Why More Productions Are Choosing Locations Beyond Los Angeles
13th of July, 2025.
From Gridlock to Greenlight: Why More Productions Are Choosing Locations Beyond Los Angeles
Key Takeaways:
As Los Angeles grapples with production decline, savvy location managers and production companies are seeking filming locations that offer flexibility, affordability, and cinematic diversity—qualities SL Locations delivers across the UK and beyond.
SL provides a forward-thinking, production-friendly alternative to LA’s bureaucracy-heavy system, offering real-world locations with fewer obstacles and better value.
Wildwood House, ancient woodland in Kent.
The film and television industry has long considered Los Angeles the epicentre of global content creation. Yet in recent years, the city's once-iconic production landscape has shown deep cracks. The numbers paint a worrying picture: a 22% drop in on-location filming in early 2025, a 30.5% reduction in television shoot days and a 29% decline in feature film production—all in just the first quarter.
This seismic shift is more than a temporary blip. It’s a signpost. A warning. And for many production companies, it’s the catalyst for change.
Why LA’s Location Appeal Is Fading Fast
Los Angeles remains visually rich—but accessing that richness has become increasingly difficult. From devastating wildfires and labour strikes to rising costs and obstructive bureaucracy, LA’s production scene feels more like a high-stakes obstacle course than a creative playground. Let’s break down the major roadblocks:
Red Tape & Regulation: Permits, parking, noise ordinances and public access issues routinely delay shoots and inflate budgets.
Economic Drain: Other regions now offer far more generous tax incentives, crew flexibility and fewer restrictions.
Union Complications: While fair labour practices are essential, many LA-based productions struggle to align traditional union models with today’s fast-paced production cycles.
Infrastructure Fatigue: LA’s filming hotspots are oversaturated and often inaccessible due to policy changes or public unrest.
Even efforts by city leaders—such as recent directives to streamline permitting—have done little to halt the exodus of productions to friendlier grounds.
The Rise of SL Locations: A Production Partner, Not a Problem
This is where SL comes in.
As location managers and scouts increasingly look beyond California, SL offers a smarter, more sustainable way forward. With a vast portfolio of properties, landscapes and architectural gems across the UK, Europe and international filming destinations, SL caters to the modern production’s need for authenticity, affordability and agility.
Why Production Companies Are Switching to SL Locations:
Ease of Access: Minimal red tape, fast turnaround times and a support team that works at production speed.
Diverse Locations: From urban grit to stately homes, modern mansions to pristine coastlines—SL delivers cinematic scope in every frame.
Flexible Pricing Models: Tailored to accommodate both indie shoots and blockbuster scale, helping stretch every pound on screen.
Experienced Liaison: We speak your language—literally and professionally. Our team has years of production experience, ensuring shoots run smoothly from recce to wrap.
Art Deco Hall, a film location in London
Real Locations Still Matter—More Than Ever
There’s a reason audiences instinctively connect with real-world environments. Whether it’s the patina of an old brick wall, the natural fall of afternoon light through a period window, or the true scale of a countryside vista—location matters. It's the foundation of immersive storytelling.
And when LA starts to lose its grip, productions need more than a “Plan B.” They need a new Plan A—one that keeps authenticity and artistry at the forefront while removing the friction that plagues legacy filming hubs.
Marina Villa, an East Sussex Film location
SL: The Future of Filming is Now
The industry is evolving, and so should your location strategy. SL is ready to help production managers, location scouts and decision-makers take control of their filming future—without compromise.
Whether you’re planning your next high-end drama, fast-turnaround commercial or global streaming series, our curated portfolio of shoot-ready locations is just a click away.
Rural Chateau, a French film location with vineyard.
