incentives granted by the State.California has capped its Film & Television Tax Credit Program at 330 million and is set to expire in 2025.[1] Other states offer more attractive incentives.[2] While in attendance at the virtual seminar "The State of the Industry", hosted by California Assembly Member Laura Friedman on September 24, 2024, industry leaders notably mentioned that animation production typically does not qualify for tax credits. That being said, with the program set to expire next year, speaking with State representatives and advocating for the extension and expansion of incentives is paramount to keeping Burbank’s entertainment industry alive.

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It cannot, however, stop there. We must also provide local incentives to make it easier for production to stay in Burbank. Many cities in California provide local incentives.[3]

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We have many avenues in the City that we can fortify to revitalize the entertainment industry in Burbank.

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First, we can make it easier for production. A streamlined permit process for filming will help both large and small productions with obtaining the necessary permits to film locally. Production does not just impact those within the industry, but it also touches the businesses that assist the industry like caterers, accountants, truckers, etc.. If we can increase production in Burbank it will help attract tourism and stimulate the local economy. Further, if we can make filming easier, more local businesses will be willing to join in and use that as an opportunity to attract individuals to their businesses. I remember growing up and seeing local businesses featured in both television and film. Sure, people visited these businesses for the goods and services offered, but it didnt hurt that these businesses now were also local attractions. People want to see where the magic happens. Creating a registry of local businesses willing to use their space for filming will assist both studios and businesses alike.

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Second, the City has its own areas for improvement. Most notable is the Starlight Bowl. It is an outdated venue that is underutilized. Aside from needing renovations, one of the reasons the facility is overlooked is its negative impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Redevelopment of the facilities would offer many advantages. First, if we can transform the space to offer more than entertainment, it can be a place for community engagement. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could hold local festivals there, with vendor booths, entertainment, and retail? Or creating a location where local businesses and organizations can host fundraisers or company retreats? There are so many ways we can shift the way the Starlight Bowl is used and perceived so that Burbank and its residents benefit.

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One of the main reasons the Starlight Bowl is rarely used is due to the nuisances attributed to the space. Many venues have been created to account for noise and light pollution. We can do that too. Traffic through neighborhoods is also a big factor, considering the only way to get to the venue is through residential areas. To combat traffic, we should look at creating a shuttle network, so that the only way to the venue is through a bus system that is both accessible and accommodating for all. If we pick up and drop off at a parking lot or structure, not only will vehicular traffic be reduced, but we also create an opportunity to stimulate the economy at the pick-up and drop-off zones. After a concert, people can wine and dine near downtown Burbank and thereafter use public transit to safely make it home

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Third, since the pandemic, in-person dining at restaurants has been low. Good food at great prices is no longer enough to draw people in the door. If we can help businesses by connecting them with individuals in the design and set production industry, they can collaborate to create environments that offer more than just dining. For example, bars can become speakeasies where you are transported back in time. Restaurants can become destinations, where you feel like you’re in the country from which their cuisine derives. More people will want to sit and dine if we create an atmosphere unlike any other, an escape from the regular day-to-day. Most importantly, this will help both those industry jobs that are suffering from lack of work and restaurants that are failing to fill their tables.

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Lastly, as the 2028 Olympic Games approaches, we need to capitalize on the opportunity that such an event presents. People from around the world will be coming to Los Angeles to be a part of this historical event. We need to draw these people to Burbank! Partnering with the entertainment industry and other private entities to showcase Burbank as the Media Capital of the World will aid our local economy. If we work with our public transit systems and our studios, we can create a unique public transportation experience to and from Burbank, revitalizing the City as a one-of-a-kind destination. This is just one idea, but the takeaway is this: we need to differentiate ourselves from Los Angeles and bring the magic back to Burbank!