Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Steve Kang to serve as her liaison to the film and television industry.
In his new role, Kang will be tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to keep production in Los Angeles, including continuing the implementation of the mayor’s executive directive 8 and 11, which make it easier for studios and independent producers alike to shoot movies, television shows and commercials here by lowering costs and streamlining processes for on-location filming, and increasing access to some of the city’s most iconic locations.
His role also includes engaging with industry stakeholders with on-location filming matters, and working with city departments to troubleshoot and streamline any issues that arise.
Bass said Kang will be supported with additional resources to effectively carry out his role.
“I have full confidence that Steve Kang will deliver in his role as city film liaison by finding solutions that protect our signature industry and ensure that local filming of TV shows, movies and commercials can successfully continue and expand,” Bass said in a statement announcing Kang’s appointment Aug. 27. “With the successful expansion of the California Film & TV Tax Credit and our ongoing efforts to improve local processes, our work continues to keep production jobs here and support small businesses who rely on the industry.”
“Local filming is vital to our city’s economy and city departments must prioritize their success,” Kang said. “I thank Mayor Bass for entrusting this role to me and will be dedicated to delivering on her vision for how we can best support local production.”
Kang brings decades of civic engagement and advocacy to his new role. His career includes service as vice president of the Central Area Planning Commission and leadership at key community organizations such as the Koreatown Youth & Community Center and the Korean American Coalition-Los Angeles.
Bass made the announcement during a meeting with her Entertainment Industry Council, citing Kang’s knowledge of the city’s infrastructure and permitting processes and key relationships with department leadership to ensure that he can improve the local filming processes and experiences for the entertainment industry.
Kang had previously served as the president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. In that role he was responsible for overseeing the city’s contract with FilmLA while also working closely with the city’s street services and special event permits, which included film production permits.
“By installing a liaison to the film and television industry, Mayor Bass is signaling her intention to continue to prioritize, support and fortify the Los Angeles film and television industry,” said producer Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, chair of Bass’ Entertainment Industry Council and founder/CEO of the Gotham Group. “Kang knows the infrastructure of the city, knows the permitting process, knows how our local government works. Steve and his excellent team are ready to dive in and support Mayor Bass and her excellent team working hand-in-hand with the industry.”
Others connected with the entertainment industry also lauded the appointment.
Former City Councilwoman and City Controller Wendy Greuel, who now serves as chair of the California Film Commission, praised Bass for her support of the film and television industry.
“Mayor Bass’ selection of Kang as liaison to the film and TV industry continues her longstanding commitment to keeping Hollywood jobs right here in Los Angeles,” Greuel said. “Since passing the first California Film and TV Tax Credit program when she was speaker of the state Assembly to signing local executive directives and appointing a city film liaison, Mayor Bass has centered LA’s signature industry to protect jobs and keep creative opportunities right here at home.”
Arlen Valdivia, vice president of state government affairs for the Motion Picture Association, added: “We appreciate Mayor Bass’ continued support for the film, television, and streaming industry and are grateful for the appointment of Kang to serve as city film liaison. We look forward to working with him on improving and enhancing the production experience in Los Angeles.”
Since being elected mayor in 2022, Bass has taken many steps to maintain the city’s partnership with the entertainment industry.
They include support for the doubling of the state’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program, issuing executive directive 11 in May, which makes it easier for studios and independent producers alike to shoot movies, television shows, and commercials in Los Angeles and establishing an Entertainment Industry Council to draw on the expertise of industry leaders to keep productions local.
Last week she helped celebrate the construction kickoff for Creators @ Laboratory — a transformative workforce development and content production hub located in South Los Angeles’ Crenshaw Empowerment District.
