Optical anisotropy is generated in films of photochromic LCPs upon irradiation with linearly polarized light, Annealing of these films above the glass transition temperature results in a significant amplification of the photo-induced anisotropy. The amplification takes place even in the case of copolymers with only 10% of azobenzene side groups and if only 7% of the saturation value of anisotropy are induced. Photoorientation and photoinduced alignment are restricted by thermal pretreatment and ageing at room temperature.