Los Angeles Explores $5 Million Subsidy for Microdrama Production

City council votes to create funding sources for short-form vertical video productions

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to explore creating a $5 million subsidy program to support microdrama production in the city. Microdramas, short-form vertical videos, have seen a surge in popularity, but many do not qualify for state tax credits due to their small budgets. The council directed city staff to identify public or private funding sources to help boost this emerging entertainment sector.

Why it matters

Los Angeles has long been the center of the entertainment industry, but the rise of microdramas, a new format popular in China, has created an opportunity for the city to establish itself as a global hub for this type of production. The proposed subsidy aims to make it more financially viable for microdrama producers to shoot in LA, supporting the local creative community.

The details

The council motion, authored by Councilman Bob Blumenfield, was inspired by his brother Jay, a TV veteran who recently produced microdramas for the MyDrama platform. Jay Blumenfield noted that tiny microdrama budgets, around $200,000 per project, make it difficult to shoot in Los Angeles, where costs are high. The proposed subsidy of $20,000 to $30,000 per production could make the difference between filming in LA or elsewhere.

  • The Los Angeles City Council voted on the proposal on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Bob Blumenfield

A Los Angeles City Council member who authored the motion to explore a $5 million subsidy for microdrama production in the city.

Jay Blumenfield

Bob Blumenfield's brother, a TV veteran who recently produced microdramas for the MyDrama platform and advocated for the proposed subsidy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Many of these productions do not fit the needed requirements to qualify for state tax credits. This is a problem that we need to fix.”

— Bob Blumenfield, Los Angeles City Council member (Variety)

“I do believe it's one way that we can bring back the creative middle class in this town. I think that's been completely hollowed out by mergers and moguls and stupidity.”

— Jay Blumenfield, TV veteran and microdrama producer (Variety)

What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council has directed city staff to identify potential public or private funding sources to support the proposed $5 million microdrama production subsidy program. The details of the program, including eligibility criteria and application process, will be developed and presented to the council for further consideration.

The takeaway

Los Angeles is taking proactive steps to position itself as a global hub for the emerging microdrama industry, recognizing the potential for this format to support the local creative community and diversify the city's entertainment ecosystem beyond traditional film and television production.