(NewsNation) — Film and television production has plummeted more than 50% in the entertainment capital of the world, leaving thousands of workers unemployed and major studio lots resembling ghost towns.

The decline comes from a combination of factors including COVID-19 lockdowns, California's high taxes, devastating wildfires and increased competition from streaming platforms and other states offering lucrative tax incentives.

Academy Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson, currently filming "The Resurrection of the Christ" in Italy, tells NewsNation the industry exodus is a sign of deeper economic realities.

Mel Gibson filming sequel overseas, calls LA lots 'ghost towns'

Mel Gibson described recently visiting studio lots as "like an episode of 'The Twilight Zone'" with deserted f

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