RELEASE: Rep. Laura Friedman, Hollywood Labor Unions Announce New Push to Bring Film & TV Production Back to Los Angeles
Leads 10 Members of Congress Representing Hollywood Region
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, April 11, 2025, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) led members of IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), Directors Guild of America (DGA), and Teamsters Local 399 to announce a new push to bring film and television production back to Los Angeles. The event included the announcement of a letter — signed by ten Members of Congress representing the Hollywood region — sent to the Motion Picture Association (MPA), which represents Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Warner Bros., Paramount, and other major studios. The letter highlights the importance of studios and streamers reinvesting in LA’s creative workforce as the region continues to recover from this year’s catastrophic wildfires.
A recording of the announcement can be found HERE and HERE.
The announcement took place outside the historic Raleigh Studios, the building where Friedman first worked as a film producer.
The letter was led by Friedman and signed by Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Brad Sherman (CA-32), and Eric Swalwell (CA-14).
“After the wildfires, our hardworking families need real investment — not just donations, but work. That’s why today, I led my colleagues in Congress in sending a letter to the Motion Picture Association highlighting the value of bringing production back to Los Angeles,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “I’ll keep working in Congress to support the industry with commonsense tax plans. In return, it's important that the industry show up for the people who built it.”
Film Industry in California:
- Los Angeles is currently experiencing its lowest levels of local production in decades.
- Supports 600,000+ jobs across the state.
- Generates $30 billion annually in economic activity.
- Fuels $100 billion+ in tourism linked to the creative sector.
- Contributes $649 billion annually to the national economy.
Friedman’s New Letter Calls for:
- Returning production to Los Angeles, making it a top destination — not an afterthought
- Recommitting to long-term investment in local jobs, facilities, and working families
- Partnering in wildfire recovery, not just through donations, but by keeping people employed in their home communities
Friedman was joined by SAG-AFTRA member and Actor PJ Byrne, WGA Board of Director Danny Tolli, DGA member Michael Spiller, Teamsters Local 399 Driver Jeremy Whalon, and leadership from the labor unions.
Below: Friedman announcing new push to bring film & TV production back to Los Angeles.
Below: SAG-AFTRA Actor PJ Byrne with Friedman and local labor members.
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