The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday approved a motion to explore a potential grant program that would support vertical content creators and incentivize local production.
In a 12-0 vote, council members approved a motion introduced by Councilman Bob Blumenfield in September 2025, directing the Economic and Workforce Development Department to report on a framework for the program.
City staff will analyze economic development tools to attract long-term industry investments, potential funding sources, review permit fees and tax rebate opportunities, among other things.
The motion directed city officials to identify $5 million in public, private and philanthropic funding sources to establish a “40% launch and rebate program,” which would provide up-front funding to micro-drama productions offering a 40% rebate on qualifying LA expenditures. An initial 20% up-front grant would be provided to small productions with the final 20% provided upon completion of the project.
Council members Blumenfield, Imelda Padilla and Katy Yaroslavsky were absent during the vote.
Vertical content refers to videos on mobile devices, which have proliferated in recent years. These videos are usually set in a 9:16 ratio, tailored for viewing on phones.
Short-form content, or “micro-dramas,” is projected to hit $15 billion by 2028, according to the motion. Blumenfield aims to prepare the city and position it as “the national and global hub” for this form of storytelling.
Micro-drama productions typically have budgets less than $200,000, which fall below the threshold to qualify for California’s tax credits. Some creators relocate to other cities that offer tax credits.
“The targeted support to micro-drama production will not only nurture a new generation of creative talent, but also help future-proof Los Angeles’ position at the center of the global entertainment industry,” according to the motion.