Hollywood’s crew members, often considered the pulse of the industry, are sounding the alarm about the sluggish state of production following last year’s strikes, painting a bleak picture of the industry’s current landscape.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Lindsay Dougherty, head of the Hollywood Teamsters, declared the possibility of strikes during recent negotiations over health and pension benefits, yet many crewmembers in the Los Angeles area express doubts about the impact of such actions given the dearth of available work. “We will strike if we have to.”
Caught amidst a brutal contraction exacerbated by the decline of Peak TV, crewmembers are experiencing a feeble return to production post-strikes, compounding the challenges faced by those who struggled with limited opportunities in 2023. According to FilmLA president Paul Audley, permit and shoot day volume in Los Angeles is down by 14.3% compared to the same period in 2023, despite minor upticks in February, particularly in commercials and feature films.
Dougherty notes that while 42 productions are currently employing her union’s crews, this number pales in comparison to previous years, raising concerns about the industry’s future trajectory. The return to work primarily features network shows or projects already in production pre-strike, leaving many crewmembers on the sidelines. Alicia Haverland, a seasoned prop master, told The Hollywood Reporter remarked, “The industry is not back.”
In contrast, New York City appears to be faring relatively better, with filming activity maintaining normal levels, according to the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Nevertheless, crewmembers report a perception of sluggishness even in New York, with job opportunities remaining scarce.
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The slow ramp-up in production compounds the hardships endured during the strikes, with crewmembers facing financial strain and mental health challenges. Many describe their situations as “torturous” and express frustration over the uncertain future of the industry.
Despite cautious optimism about potential projects and tax incentives, uncertainty looms large over the months ahead. Crewmembers, still grappling with underemployment, are hoping for a turnaround in fortunes but remain wary of the industry’s unpredictable trajectory. As one storyboard artist poignantly states, “The strikes ended and we’re still getting crushed.”
For Reel 360 News’ full strike and union coverage, click here.
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