"The Pitt," a hospital drama series on HBO Max, is causing waves in the entertainment world, raking in a collection of Emmy awards and reviving the spirit of classic episodic TV. Noah Wyle, who stars in and produces the show, recently addressed a hearing to emphasize the significance of shooting in Hollywood amid worldwide competition for film production.
Wyle highlighted how "The Pitt" stays true to its roots by filming in the bustling heart of Hollywood, despite the lure of economically favorable shooting locations around the globe. As he eloquently put it, "The Pitt is proof of concept that the Hollywood model can indeed thrive and survive."
“I’m happy to report we’ll commence shooting season three this summer, and that a rising tide has indeed lifted all boats,” Wyle said during the hearing.
The popular series, which won the Emmy for Best Drama in its debut season, has emerged as a beacon of hope, bringing nearly 600 production jobs and generating a whopping $125 million boost to the California economy, thanks in part to recently introduced tax breaks for film production.
California Sen. Adam Schiff organized the hearing in Burbank, home to major studios and the Warner Bros. lot where "The Pitt" is primarily shot. The hearing underscored the economic benefits of keeping productions stateside, with Wyle stressing the importance of these incentives for sustaining both the industry and local economies.
However, not all is smooth sailing. Industry insiders, like Matthew Loeb of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, warned of the risks posed by production hubs moving overseas, with Marvel's shift from Georgia to England serving as a recent example.
The discussion also touched on the looming Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros., a move that could reshape the landscape of film production in Los Angeles. Rep. Laura Friedman voiced concerns over the potential impact on local jobs, questioning Paramount's commitment to shooting films domestically.
Even amidst these challenges, the sentiment remains hopeful with Wyle and other key figures, including Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, emphasizing the wide-ranging benefits of entertainment jobs on local communities, from hospitality staff to technical crews.