The iconic Baywatch series is making a splash once again, with Fox’s reboot set to return for a second season in Los Angeles. The city’s officials are already laying the groundwork to welcome back the production, following a successful first season that has left executives optimistic about the series’ future.
The series, produced by Fremantle, is scheduled to debut in January, and the positive buzz surrounding it has prompted early discussions about its potential return. The city’s efforts to accommodate the production have not gone unnoticed, with officials expressing their satisfaction with the collaboration.
City officials express satisfaction with production collaboration
During a meeting with city council members on Wednesday, LA’s chief film liaison, Steve Kang, shared his enthusiasm about the production’s experience in the city. He remarked, “I can say with confidence that they are very happy with the concierge service that we were able to provide [on Season 1], and they will be returning to Los Angeles for a second season next year.”
Fox and Fremantle declined to comment on the renewal, but sources close to the production have indicated that executives are feeling bullish about the series ahead of its premiere. While a formal renewal decision is unlikely to come before the first season’s performance is evaluated, the early planning for its potential return speaks volumes about the city’s success in attracting and retaining high-profile productions.
Los Angeles’ efforts to streamline filming processes
The Baywatch reboot received a significant tax credit of $21.1 million, which is 40% of the production cost, from the California Film Commission. This financial incentive, coupled with the city’s efforts to coordinate between multiple jurisdictions, allowed the production to use the historic Venice Lifeguard Operations Station as a main backdrop.
Lawmakers on Wednesday discussed the series in the context of the so-called “concierge service” provided to the production. This service aimed to help navigate the complex regulatory process to film at iconic locations like Venice Beach. Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents the 11th district of Los Angeles, asked, “Now we know Baywatch is going to be back for Season 2…are there some things that we took from that experience, changes that we can make, operational changes that might be helpful?”
The newly formed Ad Hoc Committee on Film, Entertainment and Creative Industry, led by chair Adrin Nazarian, met for the first time on Wednesday. The committee’s goal is to streamline processes, lower fees, and attract more productions to the local level. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to fostering a film-friendly environment and ensuring that Los Angeles remains a top destination for entertainment productions.
