Knabe Pushes for Review of County's Film Permit Rules

The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to review the county's rules for issuing film permits in an effort to conform to newly-adopted industry standards.

“As a job creator and tourism generator, the film industry is vital to the economic well-being of Los Angeles County and our 88 cities,'' said Supervisor Don Knabe, who recommended the review. Knabe represents Diamond Bar.

“The world's view that Los Angeles is Hollywood -- the mecca of film and television -- is critical to attracting visitors and boosting the local economy,” Knabe said. “We cannot take for granted our position as the center of the entertainment industry.”

In May, the California Film Commission adopted a revised Model Film Ordinance as a statewide standard for permit processing. The ordinance was developed with the Southern California Association of Governments, FilmL.A., and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.

The entertainment industry accounts for 176,700 jobs and $30 billion in spending in the Southern California region, making it the third largest industry in Los Angeles County, behind international trade and tourism, according to the LAEDC.