Hollywood’s Struggles: A Post-Strike Job Market Analysis
Hollywood continues to grapple with the repercussions of the writers’ and actors’ strikes that paralyzed film and television production in 2023. A recent report released by the Otis College of Art and Design highlights that job opportunities in the entertainment industry for 2024 are still lagging significantly, remaining 25 percent below the peak levels observed in 2022. This decline is particularly notable as the industry was in the process of recovering from the pandemic-related shutdowns.
One key indicator of production activity, the number of shooting days in Los Angeles County, has seen a staggering 42 percent decrease when compared to the previous year, underscoring the challenges facing the sector. The report states, “The film, TV, and sound sector appears to be settling into a new normal characterized by lower employment and production levels when compared to its pre-strike peak.”
Michael F. Miller Jr., who serves as a vice president at the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and oversees film and television production for the union, reported that an estimated 18,000 full-time jobs have been lost in the two-year span from 2022 to 2024. A recent survey conducted among over 700 crew members revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents felt their income fell short of expectations in the past year, highlighting the financial strain many are experiencing.
While the new report indicates that the entertainment sector managed to add approximately 15,000 jobs last year, these gains have not been sufficient to offset the job losses incurred during the strikes. As the industry navigates this challenging landscape, the road to recovery remains uncertain, with many hoping for a revitalization in production levels and job opportunities in the near future.
