More location shoots?

Well, kinda. FilmLA reports that area location shoots for feature film production posted a 25.5 percent gain in the third quarter compared with the same period a year earlier. Year-to-date figures show a 37.4 percent drop. TV shoots were down 21.4 percent during the July-September period, and commercials were up 10.2 percent. All told, on-location shooting during the quarter was off 14.3 percent, which was at least better than the 31.4 percent tumble for the previous three months. All this comes amid the continuing concern about runaway production - concern that has led to a state tax incentive program and an effort by the L.A. City Council to make filming a little easier in the Los Angeles area. Be aware, though, that the on-location numbers are quite volatile, so quarter-to-quarter ups and downs might not mean all that much.