Even Before the L.A. Fires, Hollywood Jobs Were Hard to Find. Will the Work Ever Come Back?
The Associated Press
As Los Angeles grapples with the devastating aftermath of the wildfires that have ravaged the region, the entertainment industry faces compounding challenges. While the fires have disrupted filming schedules, forced evacuations, and destroyed homes, they also underscore a deeper crisis within Hollywood: an ongoing struggle to recover from technological shifts, economic turbulence, and global competition. These challenges have already led to a significant contraction in local film and TV production, leaving many workers questioning whether the jobs lost will ever return.
The wildfires, which scorched parts of Pasadena, Glendale, and Altadena, further exacerbated an already dire situation for the entertainment industry. While major soundstages and production centers largely escaped damage, hazardous air quality and resource constraints have halted many productions, compounding the struggles of an industry still reeling from strikes and systemic changes. As FilmLA President Paul Audley remarked, the fires have left no aspect of life in Greater Los Angeles untouched. “Many who participate in the region’s entertainment economy are directly affected by this tragedy,” he said.
A Persistent Decline in Jobs Show a Shrinking Industry
Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia
Even before the fires, the entertainment industry was struggling to rebound. According to recent data, motion picture industry payrolls averaged around 100,000 workers last year, a 25% decline from pre-pandemic levels. Creative occupations, including writing and acting, have seen an even sharper drop, down nearly 40% compared to 2022. Below-the-line workers—those behind the scenes, like lighting technicians and prop masters—have similarly felt the pinch, with many reporting inconsistent work and reduced hours.
Compounding the issue is a shift in audience habits and a growing reliance on global production hubs. On-location filming in Los Angeles fell 5.6% last year compared to 2023, with only 23,480 shoot days recorded, marking one of the lowest levels since 2020. As production shifts to countries like Canada, the UK, and even Spain, California’s share of motion picture employment has plummeted to 27%, down from 46% in the 1990s.
FilmLA’s recent data reveals a sharp decline in Los Angeles production activity, with only 23,480 shoot days recorded in 2024—a 5.6% drop from 2023 and the second-lowest number since the pandemic. The local film industry employed roughly 100,000 people last year, 25% fewer than pre-pandemic levels. Creative occupations, including acting and writing, saw an even sharper decline, plummeting nearly 40% from 2022.
The ongoing shift toward global production hubs has further weakened L.A.’s dominance. California’s share of U.S. motion picture employment has dropped to 27%, down from 46% in the 1990s. Meanwhile, states like Georgia and New York have risen as production powerhouses, offering competitive tax incentives and state-of-the-art facilities.
Emerging Industries and Opportunities
In Georgia, Tyler Perry Studios has attracted numerous major productions, bolstering the state’s growing reputation as the “Hollywood of the South.” In New York, Robert De Niro and his business partners are building a $1 billion studio in Queens, while Netflix plans to open a massive production facility in New Jersey. These developments not only draw productions away from L.A. but also signal a decentralization of the entertainment industry.
Despite its challenges, Hollywood isn’t entirely without hope. Emerging technologies like virtual production are creating new job opportunities. Disney recently hired alumni from USC’s cinematic arts program to work on films like Mufasa: The Lion King and Snow White. These technologies allow filmmakers to create expansive worlds from the comfort of a soundstage, reducing the need for costly on-location shoots.
Similarly, the rise in global streaming has increased the demand for dubbing international content. Netflix’s partnership with SAG-AFTRA to train voice actors has provided a lifeline for workers in this niche field. While these emerging opportunities won’t offset the thousands of jobs lost in traditional production, they represent a glimmer of hope for Hollywood’s workforce.
Competing with Global Hubs
Wildflower Studios is New York’s only high-performance TV and film production facility, purpose-built for the unique needs of 21st-century storytelling.
As Hollywood competes with rising global and domestic hubs, California is taking steps to reclaim its position. Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to double the state’s film tax credit to $750 million aims to lure productions back to the region. While tax incentives have successfully drawn projects like Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey to California, critics argue that financial breaks alone won’t solve the industry’s systemic issues.
Incentives must be paired with investments in infrastructure and support for mid-budget and independent films to truly revitalize the industry. Meanwhile, international locations like Canada, the U.K., and Spain continue to attract productions with lower costs and favorable exchange rates, further challenging L.A.’s dominance.
Economic and Environmental Pressures
Brian Van Berg Los ANGELES Times
The fires have also highlighted the fragility of L.A.’s production infrastructure. While large-scale productions can often weather short-term disruptions, the fires have made resources like water and emergency services scarce. Some studio executives have delayed new projects, citing logistical challenges and the emotional toll on the local workforce.
Economic pressures further complicate Hollywood’s recovery. Legacy media companies are grappling with losses from streaming ventures, leading to massive layoffs and reduced budgets. For instance, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global have cut thousands of jobs as part of restructuring efforts. As Tony Vinciquerra, former CEO of Sony Pictures, noted, “There’s a period of asset readjustment coming. It’ll be chaotic until at least 2026.”
Yet, these gains are unlikely to offset the significant losses in traditional production jobs. “The totality of these emerging jobs is still small compared with the thousands that have vanished,” said Kevin Klowden of the Milken Institute.
Can Tax Incentives Save the Industry?
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed doubling the state’s film tax credit to $750 million in an effort to lure productions back to the region. While such measures could help, they have limitations. Certain types of productions, like reality TV, don’t qualify for tax credits, and incentives don’t cover wages for high-profile talent.
Moreover, critics argue that tax breaks alone aren’t enough to address the systemic challenges facing Hollywood. Jody Simon, an entertainment lawyer, called for a broader strategy that includes strengthening local infrastructure and creating incentives for mid-budget and independent films.
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The Road to Recovery
GETTY
As Hollywood contends with the dual crises of environmental disaster and industry upheaval, its workers find themselves navigating an unprecedented era of uncertainty. The devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of the city’s entertainment ecosystem. Yet, amidst the ashes, the resilience of Hollywood’s people continues to shine through, offering a glimmer of hope for an industry in turmoil.
The fires have compounded the struggles of an already beleaguered workforce. Thousands remain in limbo, grappling with reduced production schedules, job losses, and the emotional toll of displacement. However, the challenges also underscore the strength and ingenuity of the people who power Hollywood. “As long as companies continue to value quality and creativity, there’s a chance for recovery,” said voice actor Mike McNerney. His sentiment reflects a cautious optimism shared by many, even as they acknowledge the long and uncertain road ahead.
Recovery will not come easily. The fires have exposed vulnerabilities in Hollywood’s infrastructure, from strained resources to disrupted productions, while systemic changes have reshaped the industry. With production hubs proliferating in states like Georgia and New York and the rise of global competition, Los Angeles must adapt to maintain its relevance. Emerging technologies and innovative practices present opportunities for growth, but they require significant investment and a commitment to redefining the city’s role in the global entertainment landscape.
For now, the focus remains on rebuilding—not just from the fires but also from the economic and structural shifts transforming Hollywood. The resilience and creativity of its workforce will be critical to shaping the industry’s next chapter. As Kevin Klowden of the Milken Institute aptly noted, “The question is, how does it come back from that?”
Hollywood’s ability to adapt and thrive in this new era remains an open question, but one thing is clear: its people are its greatest asset. Their determination and innovation will play a vital role in rebuilding an industry that has long been synonymous with dreams and creativity. Whether Los Angeles can retain its place as the epicenter of global entertainment depends not only on external factors but also on the collective will and ingenuity of its community.
How To Help Those affected By the Los ANGELES Wildfires
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