From The Hollywood Reporter · Carly Thomas,Erik Hayden · · 1m 20s
American Idol is leaving L.A. for Georgia
ABC’s long-running singing show is shifting production to the Atlanta area as states fight harder for TV work.
In brief
ABC’s long-running singing show is shifting production to the Atlanta area as states fight harder for TV work. American Idol’s move shows how tax incentives and lower production friction keep pulling steady TV jobs away from Los Angeles. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Idol heads south
American Idol is moving production from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area. Fremantle confirmed the shift for ABC’s long-running music competition.
“American Idol is packing up and making a big move across the United States.”
L.A. takes another hit
The move lands as Los Angeles production keeps shrinking. FilmLA reported shoot days fell nearly 13 percent from April to June compared with last year.
California raised incentives
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill lifting California’s annual film and TV tax incentive cap from $330 million to $750 million. Local advocates say that is only a start.
Georgia wins stability
For Georgia, Idol is a prize because a returning broadcast series brings steadier work than a single location shoot. Season 24 ran for 16 episodes.
Production money is shifting
Georgia logged 280 productions last fiscal year, but spending is still under pressure. ProdPro says the state hit $405 million in the second quarter, down 40 percent year over year.
L.A. wants a comeback
Mayor Karen Bass says the city is pushing for bigger credits, fewer permit costs and eligibility for competition reality shows. The goal is keeping TV work tied to Los Angeles.
“We’ll keep cutting red tape and slashing permit fees at the local level”
In short
American Idol’s move shows how tax incentives and lower production friction keep pulling steady TV jobs away from Los Angeles.
