You’ll NEVER Guess What ‘Palm Royale’ Creator Revealed About Filming in L.A.! 7 Shocking Benefits You NEED to Know!

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Entertainment Industry Conference, held on December 4, celebrated the contributions of productions that have remained loyal to California, the heart of the entertainment industry. At this year's event, Abe Sylvia, creator of the new series Palm Royale, along with Drew Goddard and Sarah Esberg, producers of High Potential, accepted the prestigious Commitment to California Awards, presented by Variety. As Sylvia addressed the audience of industry executives, he emphasized a simple yet powerful notion: “Do not underestimate the power of telling an A-List actor that they get to sleep in their own bed when they wrap.”

The conference served as a platform for producers, stakeholders, and government liaisons to discuss the future of the entertainment sector in California. The Commitment to California Awards recognized projects that not only showcase local talent but also help maintain California’s status as the filmmaking capital of the world.

Although Palm Royale is set in Florida and seeks to capture the essence of Palm Beach in 1969, it leverages the rich and diverse environments of Los Angeles. Actor Josh Lucas, who stars in the Apple TV series, presented the award to Sylvia. He described the enchanting atmosphere of Hollywood, where walking to set often feels like stepping into a dream: “One of the most magical elements of our show is the walk to set, wandering through the legendary back lots of Warner Brothers and Paramount.” Lucas painted a vivid picture of the commotion and creativity surrounding the production, mentioning “gaggles of extras, extravagantly dressed as jellyfish astronauts and even Richard Nixon lookalikes.” He concluded with a delightful image of Carol Burnett casually snacking at the craft service table, highlighting the vibrant culture of Hollywood.

Sylvia echoed Lucas’ sentiments, attributing the success of their productions to the collaborative spirit of Hollywood. He stated, “You get to hire your favorite makeup and hair people who are deeply integral to your process... Your life doesn’t have to be completely disrupted by your work.” He emphasized that working in Hollywood allows for the creation of a familial atmosphere on set, where artists can thrive creatively while remaining connected to their roots.

Similarly, Goddard and Esberg celebrated California's contributions through their work on High Potential, a crime dramedy on ABC about a cleaning woman, played by Kaitlin Olson, who becomes a consultant for the LAPD. Goddard highlighted the unique character of Los Angeles, stating, “The city is like 50 cities put together and it's unique from street to street. That’s what we wanted to show with ‘High Potential.’” Their intention is to showcase not just the locations but the rich tapestry of resources found in the people and streets of Los Angeles.

The conference featured additional speakers, including Steve Nissen, CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and Pamela Marcello, head of the legislative action committee. A keynote conversation was led by Michelle Khare of the YouTube series Challenge Accepted, alongside a panel featuring industry leaders like Jesse Ehrman of Warner Bros Discovery and Melissa Aouate from Blumhouse Television.

However, the atmosphere was not without concern. Philip Sokoloski, vice president of integrated communications for FilmLA, presented sobering statistics indicating a decline in Los Angeles-based productions in recent years. Factors contributing to this downturn include the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the migration of productions to other regions offering attractive tax incentives, such as Canada and states like New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. This shift has significant implications for California’s economy and its status as the entertainment industry's epicenter.

Sokoloski acknowledged that other regions have experienced similar declines but emphasized that California’s share of the production "overall pie" has also been shrinking. He did, however, provide some optimism, citing Governor Gavin Newsom's 2025 legislation that allocated $750 million in state tax incentives for California productions. "Optimistically, we think 2026 is going to be a really different looking year,” he shared, adding that the first signs of recovery will be seen in the stories of friends, family, and neighbors returning to work.

As productions like Palm Royale and High Potential continue to shoot in Los Angeles, they remain somewhat exceptional in a landscape that increasingly sees projects moving elsewhere. Yet Marcello confidently asserted, “Hollywood is open for business.” The collective sentiment among filmmakers, advocates, and creative professionals is one of determination; they are committed to reinvigorating California’s cultural and economic landscape. As discussions unfold, the industry stands at a pivotal moment, ready to reclaim its status as the heart of entertainment.