Angelenos believe a key issue in the 2026 election cycle is the struggling entertainment industry, as productions continue fleeing Hollywood for cheaper states and countries.
Residents interviewed by The California Post repeatedly pointed to taxes, red tape and the lack of production incentives as major reasons film and television jobs are disappearing from LA.
“My husband is in the film industry and it’s just changed,” one woman said. “Nobody films here because there’s no tax credits, because there’s no benefits.”
Photographer: Caroline Brehman/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Others warned that California is losing work to states like Georgia and Louisiana, as well as countries offering cheaper production costs and aggressive tax incentives.
“It’s a no-brainer,” another resident said. “When there’s productions, there’s jobs.”
One Angeleno said local leaders need to “clear the red tape” and make it easier for studios and productions to operate in Los Angeles.
“We need to be proactive with getting the people that need to be working, working,” the resident said. “Hollywood brings magic. It brings inspiration.”
Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post
Some voters also expressed concern over artificial intelligence, influencer culture and the rise of social media creators replacing traditional entertainment jobs.
“I think a big problem in the industry right now is AI taking over a multitude of different jobs,” one young voter said.
Despite the concerns, many still said they remain optimistic about Hollywood’s future and believe Los Angeles will always remain the heart of the entertainment industry.
“You can never replicate LA,” one voter said. “You can never replicate Hollywood.”
Watch the video above for more on this important issue.