As L.A. Sound Stage Use Declines, Hungary Emerges as Viable Option for U.S. Productions

A sharp drop in sound stage occupancy across Los Angeles has further exposed the vulnerability of the city’s production infrastructure, with 2024 figures showing only 63% average occupancy—down from an already low 69% in 2023, according to a new report by FilmLA.

This marks a significant decline from the consistent 90% average occupancy recorded between 2016 and 2022. At its peak in Q2 2024, usage briefly rose to 67%, but has otherwise reflected a broader industry slowdown, especially in episodic television.

A more telling figure, however, is the number of Stage Shoot Days, which dropped to 8,671 in 2023 across 1,225 projects—the lowest number recorded outside the pandemic-struck year of 2020. Television, traditionally a dominant force in L.A.’s studio economy, comprised just 20% of all certified stage production in 2023, a dramatic fall from its previous 30% share.

FilmLA spokesperson Philip Sokoloski noted that a set on a sound stage “only creates jobs when it is under construction or in use,” highlighting the importance of actual shoot days over just occupancy numbers. With rising TV budgets and shrinking episode counts, gaps between seasons have become longer, further contributing to the dip in utilization.

While California legislators are considering expanding the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program—with a proposed increase to $750 million annually—global competition for productions is tightening. Markets such as the United Kingdom, Georgia, Ontario, and New York are also experiencing contractions, but the production landscape is shifting nonetheless.

Amid this slowdown, Hungary continues to present itself as a stable and cost-effective destination for international productions. With modern studio infrastructure, skilled crews, and competitive tax incentives, the country has already hosted numerous high-profile projects in recent years. Notably, “Alien: Romulus” was shot at Origo Studios in Budapest, and the upcoming action film “Fight or Flight” utilized Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for major set pieces.

As U.S. producers face tighter margins and more scrutiny over budgets, Hungary’s reliability and affordability make it a compelling alternative—especially as uncertainty persists in key American production hubs.