On-location feature film production in Los Angeles dropped by 22 percent during the first quarter of the year, compared with the same period last year, figures showed Friday.

But the drop was more than offset by an increase in television production, according to FilmL.A. Inc., a corporation seeking to encourage film and television production in the region.

The drop in film production in Los Angeles was the second largest year-to-year decline on record, said the company.

Television production, however, jumped by 29.7 percent, boosting total on-location production in the region 5.7 percent, said FilmL.A. Inc.

Most of the increase in TV production was for unscripted programs, while made-for-television movies dropped by half compared to the same period a year ago.

The nonprofit economic development corporation recorded 1,860 permitted on-location feature film production days during the first three months of 2007, down 526 days from the 2,386 days recorded during first quarter of 2006.

With the exception of a 58.5 percent drop during the first quarter of 2002, the first quarter of 2007 marked the steepest decline in feature film production since FilmL.A. began compiling data in 1994.

"Given the unprecedented growth in feature film production in other locales, it appears the current drop in Los Angeles is a direct result of financial incentives now offered by more than 30 U.S. states," said company president Steve MacDonald.

"With substantial tax credits and rebates, other states have been able to lure big-budget films and the jobs and tax revenues that go with them."

MacDonald said the first quarter decline in Los Angeles continues a long-term downward trend that began in 1997.

Meanwhile, television continued to dominate Los Angeles-area production, with a total of 6,478 on-location production days during the first quarter, up 1,482 days, or 29.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Editor: Donald