Another iconic television production is leaving California — and this one literally made Hollywood part of its brand.
“American Idol” is moving production of its upcoming 25th season out of Los Angeles and to the Atlanta area. Producer Fremantle confirmed the relocation, although final details of the Georgia studio deal have not been announced.
“Idol” has been a Los Angeles production since its 2002 debut and has employed hundreds of workers each season. Its most recent season was based at Red Studios in Hollywood.
And here’s the California Exodus Watch angle: tax incentives.
Georgia offers qualifying reality productions tax credits of up to 30-percent. California recently expanded its own incentives to include some unscripted competition shows, but TheWrap reports “American Idol” did not qualify for California’s program.
And “Idol” isn’t alone. “The Masked Singer” is also leaving Los Angeles — moving production from the Fox lot to New Jersey.
The symbolism here is hard to miss.
For decades, contestants who survived the auditions heard one of television’s most recognizable lines:
“You’re going to Hollywood!”
For season 25, it will be “You’re going to Atlanta!”
