Council OKs grant program to help vertical ‘micro‑drama’ creators
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Summary
The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion to explore and create grant and permitting support for short‑form vertical video production, aiming to keep low‑budget creators and jobs in Los Angeles; advocates urged adequate funding to make the program effective.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to pursue a grant and permitting program intended to support short‑form vertical video production and retain creative jobs in the city. Council member Bob Blumenfield, who introduced the motion, said the rise of vertical content and micro‑dramas — often made in a 9:16 aspect ratio — requires new local incentives and streamlined permitting to keep those productions in Los Angeles.
Blumenfield said the market for micro‑drama is projected to reach roughly $15 billion by 2028 and that many such productions have budgets under $200,000, putting them below the threshold for existing California tax credits. "We need to cut red tape, create new paths for permitting, and offer assistance because these are smaller and nimble productions," Blumenfield said on the council floor.
The motion directs staff to analyze how a targeted grant program, upfront funding and permitting assistance could be structured. Council recorded a 14‑aye vote to approve the measure.
Supporters at the meeting and in public comment said funding levels will determine whether the program succeeds. Filmmaker Sherae Bell thanked the council after the vote and urged that the initiative be funded at a level that "matches its potential," saying the measure could help keep talent and create jobs for people with disabilities and other underrepresented creators.
Council members who backed the motion framed it as both an economic development and cultural policy: small‑budget vertical projects can be a feeder into larger film and television work and sustain local production crews. The motion did not specify grant amounts; staff analysis and recommendations on funding and implementation were directed to be returned to the council.
The council president closed debate by calling the roll on the measure, and the item passed with full support from members present. The next step is for city departments to provide a plan that details eligibility, funding sources and permitting changes.