17% of Entertainment Jobs in LA Lost During Strikes

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Entertainment Employment in Greater Los Angeles Sees Steep Decline during Strikes

A recent study conducted by the Otis College of Art and Design has revealed a significant decline in entertainment employment in the greater Los Angeles area during the duration of the writers’ and actors’ strikes. According to the study, this decline has been attributed to various factors.

The study, which recorded data since the Writers Guild of America initiated its strike in May, indicated a shocking 17% decrease in employment opportunities. Actors and writers bore the brunt of the reduction in job opportunities, experiencing the most significant decline in employment during the strikes. Other crew members also noted a reduction in available work.

The impact on production in the TV and film industry was evident, as TV dramas, comedies, and pilots saw a near 100% drop in production during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Feature film shoots experienced a fall of approximately 55%. These drastic reductions can be directly linked to the strikes.

Data from the study estimates that entertainment industry workers in the L.A. area collectively lost over $1.4 billion in wages between April and September. The financial impact on individuals and families in the industry is undoubtedly devastating.

While the strikes adversely affected many professionals, directors, producers, agents, artists, and managers enjoyed some growth in employment during this period, along with certain executive positions. The study suggests that striking actors and writers may have turned their attention towards directing, producing, and other related endeavors during the work stoppages.

The report also highlights that the strikes are not the only factors impacting the film and TV business. The fallout from the era of Peak TV, combined with financial losses sustained by media companies, has contributed to the overall trajectory of the industry.

Additionally, the study points out the looming threat of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, stating that it could jeopardize employment in Hollywood. Industry unions are striving to secure protections in their new contracts to mitigate this threat.

However, the report concludes that it is still premature to predict the full impact of AI on the job market. While the technology may replace certain roles, it could also create new job opportunities.

As the entertainment industry in the greater Los Angeles area grapples with the aftermath of the strikes, industry stakeholders must collaborate to find innovative solutions that address the challenges posed by factors such as the strikes, Peak TV, and emerging technologies like AI. Only by adapting and evolving can the industry ensure a prosperous future for entertainment professionals in Los Angeles.