The Los Angeles City Council voted 12-0 on Wednesday to push forward a plan for $5 million in funding to help make microdramas in the city. These are short vertical videos shot for phones that have grown fast in popularity. The vote directs city staff to find public, private, or donated money to back these low-budget projects, which often cost under $200,000 and miss out on state tax breaks. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield led the effort, which started as his motion last September.
Background
Microdramas are quick stories filmed in a tall 9:16 format for mobile screens. They last just minutes but pull in big audiences on apps. The market for these videos could reach $15 billion by 2028. Right now, many LA filmmakers take their projects elsewhere because other cities offer cash help that California does not give to such small budgets.
A survey found 78% of local independent producers now shoot microdramas outside LA. This means lost jobs for crew, editors, and others in neighborhoods like the San Fernando Valley. The state tax credit program helps bigger films, but microdramas fall short of the $200,000 minimum. Cities like Atlanta and New Mexico have pulled in these projects with their own deals.
LA has seen other moves to bring back film work. Mayor Karen Bass issued Reel Change last year to cut red tape for all productions. This includes faster permits at places like the Port of Los Angeles and lower fees at Griffith Observatory. She works with Councilmember Adrin Nazarian on Keep Hollywood Home, which looks at micro-shoot permits for small crews. A pilot for low-impact shoots starts in March. The city also named Steve Kang as a film liaison to smooth dealings with departments.
Statewide, Governor Gavin Newsom expanded tax credits, bringing shows like a Baywatch reboot to LA. Bass helped pass the first version years ago as Assembly Speaker. Still, 2025 saw production drops, though tax-credit projects make up more shoot days now.
Blumenfield's push fits this trend. His brother, producer Jay Blumenfield, sparked the idea after chasing incentives out of state.
Key Details
The council motion tells the Economic and Workforce Development Department to build a full plan. They will check tools to draw long-term money into the city, look at permit fees, and explore tax rebates. The big goal is a 40% launch and rebate program.
Funding Breakdown
Staff must find $5 million from any source. The program would give 20% up front as a grant when a project gets approved. This helps small teams with cash flow. Then, another 20% rebate comes after they finish and spend money in LA. It rewards hiring locals and using city spots.
The plan also calls for reviews of permits to cut costs and speed things up. The Office of Finance would set rebates for property owners who drop rates for these shoots. This could open more cheap locations.
Three councilmembers missed the vote: Blumenfield, Imelda Padilla, and Katy Yaroslavsky. The vote happened after months of talks with producers and studios.
“I’ve heard a lot of stories from LA-based filmmakers who have been lured to other cities around the country because they are offered incentives for these new, specific types of productions and it’s imperative that Los Angeles gets on board,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield.
FilmLA, which handles permits, backs the idea. Their VP Philip Sokoloski said local deals could draw creators building careers here.
“Local incentives, including production rebate programs, could provide significant encouragement to micro content creators and others looking to build their careers and bring their next project to the City of Los Angeles,” said Philip Sokoloski, VP of Communications with FilmLA.
Jay Blumenfield added his voice after 25 years in TV production.
“It kills me that I’ve had to look elsewhere for tax incentives when I’d rather be hiring the best people right here at home. Los Angeles should be leading the vertical content movement, not losing out to other cities.”
Microdramas boomed last year. Revenue jumped from $23 million in January 2024 to $122 million this January. Companies like HOLYWATER raised $22 million to push them into mainstream US entertainment.
What This Means
If the $5 million fund launches, it could keep microdrama jobs in LA. Below-the-line workers like grips, sound techs, and drivers stand to gain most. The Valley, with its many pros, would see direct benefits. New talent could start here without leaving for rebates elsewhere.
The city aims to lead in this shift from long TV to short mobile stories. Success might draw bigger investments and copycat programs. It builds on state credits and city streamlining, making LA competitive again.
Producers say faster permits and cash up front solve key pain points. Small budgets mean tight margins, so 40% back goes far. Property rebates could flood the market with affordable shoots, from warehouses to parks.
Challenges remain. Finding the $5 million in a tight budget takes work. Private donors or film giants might chip in. Staff reports come soon, setting the timeline. If approved, grants could flow by mid-year.
This fits broader revival efforts. With tax credits bringing features and indies, microdramas fill the gap for quick jobs. Production numbers dipped in 2025, but 119 incentivized projects signal momentum. Many start soon in Greater LA.
LA positions itself as the hub for vertical storytelling. Keeping creators home means steady work for thousands. The council's step shows they see the future in phone screens, not just big screens.
