FilmLA chief executive Paul Audley is stepping down from his role leading one of the largest film permitting offices in the United States, a meaningful management shake-up amid a production plunge in the region.
Denise Gutches, chief financial and operating officer since 2011, will succeed him at the start of next year, FilmLA said on Tuesday. She was one of the architects behind the online permit system.
Audley is leaving after 17 years with the film office as L.A. continues to see shooting levels drop. More than a year removed from the strikes, the entertainment industry hasn’t returned to filming in the region as initially expected. Worsened by reductions in content spend across most studios, production last year was at the lowest figure observed by FilmLA since it started tracking the data in 2017 (excluding 2020, when filming was halted amid the pandemic).
That slide has exacerbated tensions around L.A.’s film permitting process, which is widely considered costly and cumbersome. Unlike more cost-effective regions like New York, Atlanta and London, L.A.’s film office doesn’t operate as part of the local government. In July, after FilmLA’s contract was renewed for five more years despite opposition from some local public advocates, a host of measures aimed at streamlining and eradicating bureaucratic hurdles in the film permitting process was approved.
Also at play: A significant modification of California’s film and TV tax credit program to increase the cap from $330 million to $750 million while expanding the types of productions that qualify. It’s widely expected to bring a major chunk of filming back to L.A. amid a race to host Hollywood.
“I am honored to lead FilmLA into its next phase,” said Denise Gutches in a statement. “With the revitalization of the Film and Television Tax Credit and numerous transformative initiatives underway across Los Angeles, FilmLA is uniquely positioned to support the creative and economic vitality of the region’s film and television industry.”
Additionally, vice president of operations Donna Washington will assume a new role as vice president of external affairs. She’ll expand her focus on regional film policy alignment and enhanced client service.
The leadership transition comes after a year-long internal analysis aimed at ensuring production in L.A. is affordable and accessible. The film office is a not-for-profit overseen by a 27-member board of directors.
“FilmLA has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment,” Audley said in a statement. “I am confident that Denise and the leadership team will continue to advance FilmLA’s mission with the same dedication and excellence that has defined our work.”