
After a turbulent 2023, marked by historic dual strikes that brought Hollywood, Illinois, Georgia and New York to a standstill, many hoped 2024 would usher in a full recovery for the industry.
While production did rebound—with an 18% increase in projects entering principal photography compared to the previous year—the comeback fell short of expectations. According to ProdPro’s 2025 Industry Outlook Report, total production remained 11% below pre-strike levels, underscoring the long-term effects of the work stoppage and shifting industry economics.
2024 started strong, with studios and streamers rushing to greenlight projects that had been delayed by the strikes. However, as the year progressed, momentum slowed, revealing an uneven recovery. Some sectors and regions bounced back quickly, while others struggled under budget cuts, shifting distribution strategies, and changing production incentives.
TV Production: A New Normal Takes Shape
The television industry saw a notable increase in scripted series, with nearly 500 new productions entering development in 2024. That’s a significant jump from fewer than 400 shows in 2023, yet still a far cry from the 600+ series per year during the height of the Peak TV era. The slowdown reflects a fundamental shift in the way major networks and streamers are approaching content creation.
Traditional broadcast and cable networks have scaled back scripted programming, responding to declining ad revenues and shifting viewer habits. Meanwhile, streaming platforms, once engaged in an all-out war for content dominance, are now prioritizing profitability over growth, leading to a $6 billion drop in content spending compared to 2022.
As 2025 begins, it’s clear that the industry is settling into a leaner production model, with fewer greenlights and a focus on high-impact, financially sustainable projects.
Feature Films Rebound as Theatrical Gains Strength
While TV output remains below peak levels, the feature film industry has managed a more robust recovery. Nearly 700 feature films went into production in 2024, matching pre-strike levels from 2022. This stabilization aligns with a resurgence at the box office, as U.S. theatrical revenue climbed to approximately $8.6 billion, signaling renewed audience demand for cinematic experiences.
Unlike streaming platforms, which have shifted toward cost-cutting, major studios are doubling down on theatrical releases as a primary revenue driver. With franchise films continuing to perform well and mid-budget movies making a comeback, the feature film sector appears to be on firmer ground than television heading into 2025.
The Shift Away from U.S. Production Hubs

Another striking trend from ProdPro is the growing preference for international filming locations. When surveyed about their top choices for productions in 2025-2026, studio executives ranked five international locations ahead of any U.S. cities, marking a significant shift away from California, New York, and Georgia, which have historically been top-tier production hubs.
This shift is being driven by several key factors:
- Competitive tax incentives offered by international markets
- Lower production costs in some countries due to favorable exchange rates
- Expanding infrastructure and skilled labor pools outside the U.S.
For suppliers and below-the-line crew, this presents both opportunities and challenges. International crews are experiencing a surge in optimism, while many U.S.-based crew members face job uncertainty as productions relocate.
2025 Outlook: Optimism at the Top, Pessimism on the Ground
Looking ahead, Hollywood’s recovery remains fragmented, with different sectors experiencing varying levels of confidence. According to the ProdPro survey, perspectives on 2025 are notably divided:
- Studio executives remain optimistic, with 80% expecting their production slates to meet or exceed 2024 levels.
- Suppliers are cautiously hopeful, though their confidence is notably weaker than in previous years.
- Crew members, however, are facing deep uncertainty, with a -23% net negativity in their outlook—the steepest decline of any group.
For freelance crew, the challenges are particularly acute. 63% of surveyed crew members reported earning less than expected in 2024, and 41% are considering leaving the industry within the next five years due to financial instability. Meanwhile, nearly half of suppliers have resorted to layoffs or reduced hours to contain costs.
While studio decision-makers project continued recovery, the workers who power Hollywood’s productions aren’t feeling the same sense of optimism. The next year will likely determine whether the industry can return to full stability—or if the uneven recovery continues to deepen existing divides.
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