There's usually a film production or two every summer in my neighborhood because there's a lot of iconic craftsman bungalows and such. These aren't AAA blockbus

There's usually a film production or two every summer in my neighborhood because there's a lot of iconic craftsman bungalows and such. These aren't AAA blockbusters just smaller dramas or Disney live action stuff for kids. They hire a local production company, it's usually the same company cuz they're the best here but it's a non trivial amount of money going in locally. One of the shows paid the owner of the convenience store to shoot some exterior shots at his spot. They painted a mural for the movie, then repainted his whole building after they were done along with cutting him a nice check. They definitely eat food from all the neighborhood spots. There's certainly plenty of shady BS in hollywood but I think you're painting with too broad a brush.