The cast of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This is pushing back against the growing trend of Hollywood productions abandoning Los Angeles. Actors Jackie Tohn and Timothy Simons, who play key roles in the series, have spoken out about the importance of keeping film shoots in the city. They argue that the existing infrastructure and the well-being of local crew members depend on it.
“It’s heartbreaking to see workers separated from their families for months while they move to places like Vancouver,” Tohn said. “All because local conditions make it hard for projects to stay.” The actress pointed out that the world’s film capital is losing its competitive edge due to skyrocketing costs and a lack of incentives.
The Exodus and Its Toll on Local Businesses
The concern from the Nobody Wants This cast is part of a larger trend. Many productions are leaving Los Angeles for states like Georgia, which offer generous tax breaks. This migration doesn’t just affect big stars—it devastates small businesses. From catering services in North Hollywood to flower suppliers, local shops see their revenue drop when shoots disappear.
Recent reports show that the city has lost tens of thousands of production jobs in recent years. Excessive bureaucracy and limited filming permits are driving creativity and talent to regions with more aggressive economic policies. The situation is a near contradiction for a city that built its identity on cinema.
Seeking Solutions in a Competitive Landscape
California authorities have responded by expanding tax credit programs, raising the available funds to compete with other markets. But many producers remain skeptical. They argue that the measures still fall short because they exclude key salaries for actors and directors. This leaves the industry vulnerable to international competition.
Meanwhile, the Nobody Wants This team continues to shoot in Los Angeles, but the debate over how to restore Hollywood’s splendor is far from over. The urgency to create effective tax exemptions is critical to prevent the city from permanently losing its ability to host the stories that define a generation.
For Latino audiences, this story resonates beyond Hollywood. Many Latino crew members and small business owners in Los Angeles rely on the film industry for their livelihoods. The exodus threatens not just jobs but the cultural fabric of a city that has long been a hub for Latino talent, from directors to artisans. As the industry looks for solutions, the voices of those on the ground—like the cast of Nobody Wants This—remind us that the human cost of this shift is real.
For more on how Latino stars are shaping the entertainment landscape, check out our coverage of Tribeca 2026: Latino Filmmakers and Stars Lead the Festival's 25th Edition and Jennifer Lopez on Hollywood's Bad Boys and the Allure of Cinematic Obsession.
