Los Angeles Slashes Griffith Observatory Filming Fees, Reopens Central Library for Productions

Mayor Karen Bass announces 70% cut in filming costs at iconic LA landmarks to boost local entertainment industry.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a move to support the film and television industry in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has announced a 70% reduction in filming fees at the Griffith Observatory, as well as the reopening of the Los Angeles Central Library for production use after more than a decade. These changes are part of the mayor's broader directive to bolster LA's entertainment sector.

Why it matters

The Griffith Observatory and Central Library are two of Los Angeles' most iconic filming locations, having appeared in numerous classic movies and TV shows over the decades. By slashing fees and reopening access, the city aims to make it more affordable and attractive for productions to film in LA, helping to retain and grow the local entertainment industry.

The details

Mayor Bass said the fee for filming at the Griffith Observatory will be reduced from $100,000 to $30,000, a 70% cut. Additionally, the Central Library, closed to filming for over 10 years, will now be reopened for production use. These changes are part of the mayor's broader directive to support LA's entertainment industry, which also includes faster film permit approvals at the Port of Los Angeles, extended filming hours with the Department of Transportation, and increased LAPD involvement to reduce personnel costs.

  • The filming fee cuts at Griffith Observatory and the reopening of the Central Library for production take effect immediately.
  • Mayor Bass launched the executive directive to bolster LA's entertainment industry last year.

The players

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles who announced the filming fee cuts and Central Library reopening as part of her efforts to support the local entertainment industry.

Joely Fisher

A SAG-AFTRA member and the President of the Los Angeles Local, who applauded the fee cuts as providing more access, jobs, and opportunities for the entertainment industry.

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What they’re saying

“The Griffith Observatory and the Central Library are iconic backdrops in cinematic history. Just think about it, 'Rebel Without a Cause,' 'La-La Land,' 'Ghostbusters,' 'The West Wing,' and even 'The Terminator,'”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (cbsnews.com)

“When you hear that Mayor Bass has cut filming fees for Griffith Observatory by 70%, from $100,000 to $30,000, that's not just a line item in the budget; that's access. That's jobs, that's opportunity.”

— Joely Fisher, SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city plans to continue exploring additional ways to support the local entertainment industry, including further fee reductions and streamlining of the filming permit process.

The takeaway

By slashing filming fees at iconic LA landmarks and reopening the Central Library for production, the city is demonstrating its commitment to bolstering the local entertainment industry and maintaining Los Angeles' status as a premier filming destination.