Ryan Murphy on Toning Down Sex in ‘The Shards’ and Why L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Could Do a ‘Much Better Job’ Bringing Productions Back to Hollywood
Ryan Murphy made a deliberate choice to film FX's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's thriller novel 'The Shards' in Los Angeles, rejecting the opportunity to reduce production costs by shooting elsewhere. He described the location as non-negotiable and stated he has similarly committed to filming his next two projects in the city, with his production partners supporting the decision despite the financial implications. This choice reflects a broader challenge facing the region, as Los Angeles production has declined by 3.1% in the second quarter of 2026, with productions increasingly shifting to jurisdictions offering more competitive tax incentives.
Murphy also discusses his deliberate approach to depicting relationships and romance in the series, noting he remained conscious of audience preferences whilst developing the content. Referencing a UCLA study indicating nearly half of Generation Z prefers minimal sexual material in entertainment, he argues that audience investment in characters matters more than explicit depictions. The series, set in a high school environment and centred on first relationships and experiences, represents his attempt to create content that resonates with younger viewers through authentic character storytelling rather than graphic content.
- Producer Ryan Murphy insisted on filming 'The Shards' in Los Angeles despite higher costs compared to shooting in Canada
- Murphy deliberately minimised graphic sexual content in the show, focusing on character relationships to align with Gen Z audience preferences
- Los Angeles experienced a 3.1% production volume decline in Q2 2026 as shows migrate to regions offering stronger tax incentives
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Murphy's decision to film in Los Angeles despite higher production costs reflects a principled recognition that the entertainment industry has responsibilities to sustain the region that built it, preserving both jobs and the broader ecosystem of talent and expertise. His approach to toning down sexual content based on audience research—particularly for younger viewers—demonstrates responsiveness to viewers rather than default reliance on gratuitous material, allowing character-driven storytelling to create deeper engagement.
The case against
Whilst Murphy's loyalty to Los Angeles is admirable, production companies arguably have fiduciary obligations to investors and employees that justify selecting locations with more competitive tax environments, which represents sound business practice rather than abandonment of the region. Additionally, systematically adapting source material based on demographic research and commercial preferences risks compromising artistic integrity, as marketing considerations may displace the original creator's vision in favour of palatability over artistic challenge.