'Palm Royale' Creator Abe Sylvia Discusses Filming in LA at Hollywood Chamber Entertainment Industry Conference: 'The Importance of Keeping Actors Close to Home'

Abe Sylvia, creator of Palm Royale, along with producers Drew Goddard and Sarah Esber of High Potential, were honored with Commitment to California Awards at the 2025 Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Entertainment Industry Conference, hosted with Variety. The awards recognize productions that remain dedicated to shooting in California.

During his acceptance, Sylvia emphasized the value of filming locally, telling the audience of entertainment executives, Never underestimate the impact of telling a star they can return to their own bed after a days shoot.

The conference, held on December 4 in Hollywood, gathered producers, industry stakeholders, and government representatives to discuss and celebrate the states entertainment industry. The awards specifically highlighted projects that have kept production in California, reinforcing the regions status as a premier filmmaking hub.

Although Palm Royale is set in Florida, Sylvias series utilizes Los Angeles versatile locations and soundstages to recreate 1969 Palm Beach. Star Josh Lucas presented Sylvia with the award, describing the magic of filming on the historic Warner Brothers and Paramount backlots, where period extras and elaborate costumes bring the world of the show to life.

Sylvia praised the local talent pool, noting that shooting in Hollywood allows producers to work with trusted makeup artists, costume designers, and crew without the complications of travel. The greatest reward of filming here is the people. Our team feels like family because we are in Hollywood, where the most skilled artists live, he said.

Similarly, Goddard and Esber celebrated Los Angeles as a dynamic backdrop for High Potential, an ABC crime dramedy starring Kaitlin Olson. The show, set across the city, reflects Los Angeles diversity and distinct neighborhoods, illustrating its unique cultural and urban landscape.

The conference featured additional highlights, including remarks from Hollywood Chamber CEO Steve Nissen, legislative action leader Pamela Marcello, a keynote with Michelle Khare of Challenge Accepted, and a panel on the entertainment industrys future with executives from Warner Bros Discovery, Blumhouse Television, UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Roku.

FilmLAs VP Philip Sokoloski presented data showing a decline in Los Angeles-based productions in recent years due to the pandemic, strikes, and tax-driven shifts to other states and countries. While acknowledging the challenges, Sokoloski pointed to Governor Gavin Newsomes $750 million tax incentive legislation for 2025 as a positive step toward revitalizing California filming.

Sylvia and other filmmakers stressed that productions like Palm Royale and High Potential demonstrate the potential for major shows to thrive entirely in Los Angeles. Marcello affirmed, Hollywood is open for business, highlighting the combined efforts of industry advocates, creatives, and policymakers to maintain the citys prominence in entertainment.

Author: Caleb Jennings