GOVERNMENT & POLITICAL AFFAIRS: L.A. Mayor Appoints New City Film Liaison

Last month, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the appointment of Steve Kang as the Mayor’s Liaison to the Film and Television Industry. Kang currently serves as President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. Mayor Bass cited President Kang’s deep knowledge of the City’s infrastructure and permitting processes and key relationships with department leadership to ensure that he can improve the local filming processes and experiences for L.A.’s entertainment industry.

“I have full confidence that President Steve Kang will deliver in his role as City Film Liaison by finding solutions that protect our signature industry and ensure that local filming of TV shows, movies and commercials can successfully continue and expand,” said Mayor Bass.

As the Mayor’s Liaison to the Film and Television Industry, President Kang will be tasked with engaging on a comprehensive strategy to keep production in Los Angeles, including continuing the implementation of the Mayor’s Executive Directives 8 and 11, which intend to make it easier to shoot movies, television shows and commercials in Los Angeles by lowering costs and streamlining processes for on-location filming, as well as increasing access to some of the city’s most iconic locations.

His role also includes engaging with industry stakeholders with on-location filming matters, and working with City departments to troubleshoot and streamline any issues that arise. The AICP, along with other industry groups and stakeholders, was formally introduced to President Kang at the latest Citywide Film Task Force meeting held at City Hall earlier this month. In his remarks to the Task Force, President Kang reiterated his commitment to assisting the industry overcome bureaucratic hurdles for on-location productions. 

“Local filming is vital to our city’s economy and City departments must prioritize their success,” said President Kang. “I thank Mayor Bass for entrusting this role to me and will be dedicated to delivering on her vision for how we can best support local production.”

For questions or concerns about on-location film permitting or dealing with City Hall, contact David Michael González, Director of Labor & Government Relations, davidg@aicp.com.