Do You Need to Move to LA to Work in Film?
The Short answer? No.
Long answer? Not only do you not need to move to LA… in a lot of cases, it might not even be the smartest move anymore. There’s this long-standing belief that if you want to work in film, you have to pack your bags and head to Los Angeles. And sure, LA is still a major hub. But the industry has changed A LOT and if you’re making decisions based on what the industry used to be, you’re already behind.
Let’s talk about what’s actually happening right now.
Film Production Is Everywhere Now
Film and TV production isn’t centralized anymore. It’s spread out across the U.S., Canada, and Europe and that shift is intentional. Why? Money. It’s always because of money. Of course. Productions go where it makes financial sense, and right now, that’s not always LA. Tax incentives, lower labor costs, and government support are driving where projects get made.
There are over 40 different jurisdictions in the U.S. alone offering film incentives to attract productions. Think about that. 40. States like Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, and New Jersey are competing aggressively offering anywhere from 25% to 40% back in incentives.
Georgia alone saw $4.2 billion in production spending in 2024. That’s not a side market. That’s a major hub. And it’s not just the U.S. more than 60% of high-budget film and TV projects are being produced outside of Hollywood, often in places like Canada and the UK. So if you’re sitting there thinking all the work is in LA, it’s not.
LA Isn’t the Only Door Anymore (And It’s a Crowded One)
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: LA is saturated. There are a lot of people there trying to break in. And right now, there isn’t enough consistent production to support everyone. In fact, filming in Los Angeles dropped by over 22% in early 2025. That’s a huge deal. The state of California is kicking and screaming trying to bring back productions and much as they can. And their incentive programs keep falling behind.
Less production + more people = more competition.
So when you move to LA thinking you’re increasing your chances, you’re actually stepping into a more competitive, tighter market. Take a look at this US map to find out the stats on how much film work each state has.
Meanwhile… Other Markets Are Growing
While LA is trying to hold onto production, other regions are building. New Jersey, right next door to NYC, is becoming a serious player. There’s a $900 million Netflix studio being built there right now, on top of the 1888 Studio being built in Bayonne, NJ. New jersey is not messing around.
New York continues to expand its incentive programs.
Texas is investing heavily in production infrastructure.
Illinois just hit $703 million in production spending, up 25% from pre-pandemic levels.
This is the shift. Production isn’t dying — it’s moving. And where it moves, jobs follow.
Let’s Talk About Cost of Living (Because This Matters More Than You Think)
Moving to LA or NYC without a solid plan is expensive. Period. The rents are insane, and they do not make it easy to survive let alone thrive! High rent, high cost of living, and inconsistent work? That combination can put you in survival mode fast and for awhile. And when you’re in survival mode, you’re not networking, you’re not growing, and you’re not building a career. You’re just trying to get by.
There are other markets where:
- Cost of living is lower
- Production is increasing
- Competition is less intense
That’s an opportunity.
You Can Start Where You Are
This is the part people skip. You don’t need to start big. You don’t need to move across the country to begin. Look at what’s happening in your area or nearby cities. Get on smaller sets. Build your network locally.
Because the truth is the skills you build and the relationships you create matter more than your zip code.
If You Do Want to Move, Do This First
Don’t just pick up your life and hope it works out. Visit first. Spend time in the city. See what the production scene actually feels like. Talk to people working there. Because every market is different. The pace, the culture, the access it all changes depending on where you are. And you don’t want to move to a city you end up hating after a month. I know you have to account for the adjustment period you need, but you might find out you actually don’t like it.
I moved to LA and in a few months I learned it just wasn’t for me at all. West coast vibes are very different than the east coast. And I learned that the hard way. I felt wildly out of place. So visit first for at least a week or two to get to know what it’s really like.
Make the move strategic, not emotional.
Final Thought
LA is still a film hub. That hasn’t changed. But it’s no longer the only path. There are more opportunities in more places than ever before, and the filmmakers who understand that are the ones who adapt, build smarter, and get working faster. You don’t need to move to LA to work in film.
