Today, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the appointment of Steve Kang, the President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, as the new Liaison to the Film and Television Industry. The announcement was made during a gathering with the Mayor’s Entertainment Industry Council.
Mayor Bass highlighted Kang’s extensive understanding of local infrastructure and permitting processes, as well as his strong connections with key department heads, as critical assets in his new role. She emphasized that Kang’s appointment is aimed at enhancing the filming experience in Los Angeles, a hub for the industry.
In his new capacity, Kang is charged with developing and executing a detailed plan to retain production activities in Los Angeles. This includes the ongoing execution of the mayor’s Executive Directives 8 and 11, issued last year and in May, respectively. These directives are designed to reduce costs and simplify the procedures for filming on-location, thus broadening access to iconic sites across the city. Kang will also collaborate with industry stakeholders on issues related to on-location filming and coordinate with city departments to address any challenges that emerge.
Mayor Bass expressed her complete trust in Kang’s abilities, stating, “I am confident that President Steve Kang will excel in his role as City Film Liaison by devising solutions that safeguard our prominent industry and ensure that the filming of TV shows, movies, and commercials in our locale not only persists but also thrives.” She also noted the role of the expanded California Film & TV Tax Credit and ongoing local initiatives in maintaining production jobs and supporting small businesses dependent on the industry.
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Kang responded to his appointment by emphasizing the importance of local filming to the city’s economy and committed to prioritizing its success. “I appreciate Mayor Bass’s confidence in me and am committed to realizing her vision to optimally support local production,” he stated.
Ellen Goldsmeith-Vein, chair of Bass’s Entertainment Industry Council and founder/CEO of The Gotham Group, praised the appointment: “Mayor Bass’s decision to appoint a dedicated Liaison to the Film and Television Industry underscores her ongoing commitment to bolster and protect the sector in Los Angeles. President Kang is well-versed in the city’s infrastructure and permitting processes and, along with his exceptional team, is well-prepared to support the Mayor and her team in collaboration with the industry.”
As president of the Board of Public Works, Kang already plays a significant role in managing the city’s infrastructure and essential services, overseeing the city’s partnership with the nonprofit organization FilmLA, and closely working with the city’s Street Services and Special Event permits, which are crucial for film production permits.
The role of film liaison was first established by former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who appointed Film Czar Tom Sherak in 2013 to serve as a mediator for industry professionals navigating the city’s extensive bureaucracy. Following Sherak’s passing, Ken Ziffren took over the role and is now a member of the Entertainment Industry Council formed by Bass. Advocates from the industry have been urging Mayor Bass, who assumed office in December 2022, to appoint a liaison to facilitate smoother interactions between filmmaking and governmental operations.
This appointment follows Bass’s recent issuance of Executive Directive 11, which aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles surrounding local film and television production by promoting a proactive, film-friendly approach to communication and making it easier and more cost-effective to shoot at locations like the Griffith Observatory and Port of L.A.
Moreover, Kang’s promotion is part of a broader effort by the city and state to reinforce the production sector in Los Angeles, which has faced challenges from wildfires, strikes, and pandemic-related downsizing, often pushing productions to other states. This initiative includes the recent securing of $750 million by California legislators, as promised by Governor Gavin Newsom, to enhance the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program.
In a conversation with Dominic Patten of Deadline last year following the implementation of Executive Directive 8, Bass shared her concerns about the competitiveness of L.A.’s production scene: “Other states are outpacing us, slowing down our local industry. L.A. has become unaffordable, which is problematic for everyone. We aim for people to afford living and thriving in L.A., particularly those working in the entertainment sector.”
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Taylor Monroe takes readers behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, from Hollywood trends to rising stars. With a passion for storytelling, Taylor brings engaging and fresh perspectives.
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