Longtime FilmLA executive Denise Gutches has been named the nonprofit’s new chief executive.
Gutches, who has been FilmLA’s chief financial and operating officer since 2011, will begin her new position on January 1st. FilmLA President Paul Audley will retire at the end of December after 17 years with the organization; the change was announced Wednesday morning.
I heard Gutches say in an interview that we’ve got a lot on our plate in this creative economy. And personally, I think he’s really excited about it – he definitely said he’s up for the challenge!
This change in leadership happens as Hollywood works to bring film and television production back to California. Production has moved to other places – both within the US and internationally – seeking cheaper costs and better tax breaks. To encourage filming in California, the state recently increased the funding for its film and TV tax credit program and broadened who can qualify, hoping to boost production in the Golden State.
During the latest round of applications, 22 television series received tax credits, reflecting increased program popularity. Eighteen of these series will primarily be filmed in the Los Angeles area.
Gutches expressed optimism that the increased incentives will help revitalize the greater Los Angeles area. Film and television production there has significantly decreased due to the pandemic, the combined writers’ and actors strikes, and reduced studio spending.
FilmLA – the organization that manages film permits for the city of Los Angeles and surrounding county areas – is collaborating with government agencies to make filming in L.A. easier, she explained.
She explained that this is very important for making Los Angeles a more appealing location for film and television productions thanks to the new tax credit. “Our goal is to continue filming here and make the process easier, and that’s where we’ll be concentrating our efforts,” she stated.
The shift to Gutches’ leadership started several months ago when Audley requested that the nonprofit’s board not extend his current contract.
I was really saddened to hear about the changes. It seems like our team has been significantly reduced – going from 117 employees down to just 74. It’s a direct result of what’s happening in the industry right now, and unfortunately, local production has really slowed down. It’s tough to see, but it seems like a necessary adjustment to the current situation. More details are available here.
“This is primarily about ensuring the leadership team is appropriately sized for an organization of this scale,” Audley explained. “It’s simply a sound business decision.”
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2025-10-01 22:31