What Happened
Los Angeles soundstages are facing a slump in occupancy rates, with the average rate for major soundstages in the city standing at 62% during the first six months of 2025, according to data from FilmLA. This is down from the 90% or higher occupancy rates seen between 2016 and 2022. The report also noted that the total number of projects shot increased by 5% between 2023 and 2024, but this growth is not enough to fill the available soundstage space.
Why It Matters
The low occupancy rates are a concern for the film industry, as it indicates a decline in production activity in Los Angeles. This can have a ripple effect on the local economy, impacting jobs and businesses that rely on the film industry.
What Experts Say
Industry experts are urging filmmakers to "unlearn" old production models and "work in new ways" to adapt to the changing landscape. Lee Sangwook, Head of the AI Content Lab at MBC C&I, emphasized the potential of AI in creating content, stating, "I don't want to use AI to replace artists, I want to use AI to create content."
"I don't want to use AI to replace artists, I want to use AI to create content." — Lee Sangwook, Head of the AI Content Lab at MBC C&I
Key Numbers
- **62%: Average occupancy rate for major soundstages in Los Angeles during the first six months of 2025
- **90%: Average occupancy rate for major soundstages in Los Angeles between 2016 and 2022
Background
The film industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a profound impact on the industry, leading to production delays and cancellations.
What Comes Next
As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that AI will play a larger role in film production. With the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs, AI could be a key factor in reviving the struggling soundstage sector.
Key Facts
- What: Urged filmmakers to adapt to new production models and use AI to create content
- When: Spoke at an AI-focused panel at Filmart in Hong Kong
- Impact: Potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs in film production
What Happened
Los Angeles soundstages are facing a slump in occupancy rates, with the average rate for major soundstages in the city standing at 62% during the first six months of 2025, according to data from FilmLA. This is down from the 90% or higher occupancy rates seen between 2016 and 2022. The report also noted that the total number of projects shot increased by 5% between 2023 and 2024, but this growth is not enough to fill the available soundstage space.
Why It Matters
The low occupancy rates are a concern for the film industry, as it indicates a decline in production activity in Los Angeles. This can have a ripple effect on the local economy, impacting jobs and businesses that rely on the film industry.
What Experts Say
Industry experts are urging filmmakers to "unlearn" old production models and "work in new ways" to adapt to the changing landscape. Lee Sangwook, Head of the AI Content Lab at MBC C&I, emphasized the potential of AI in creating content, stating, "I don't want to use AI to replace artists, I want to use AI to create content."
"I don't want to use AI to replace artists, I want to use AI to create content." — Lee Sangwook, Head of the AI Content Lab at MBC C&I
Key Numbers
- **62%: Average occupancy rate for major soundstages in Los Angeles during the first six months of 2025
- **90%: Average occupancy rate for major soundstages in Los Angeles between 2016 and 2022
Background
The film industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a profound impact on the industry, leading to production delays and cancellations.
What Comes Next
As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that AI will play a larger role in film production. With the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs, AI could be a key factor in reviving the struggling soundstage sector.
Key Facts
- What: Urged filmmakers to adapt to new production models and use AI to create content
- When: Spoke at an AI-focused panel at Filmart in Hong Kong
- Impact: Potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs in film production