Filming in Los Angeles Slows Down Due to Writers' Strike Fears and Studio Cutbacks
The film production industry in Hollywood has experienced a slowdown for the third consecutive quarter as studios implement cutbacks and layoffs while grappling with concerns over an impending writers' strike.
According to FilmLA, a nonprofit organization responsible for film permits in the city and county, on-location film production in Greater Los Angeles declined by 24% to 7,476 shoot days compared to last year. This figure is also 17% lower than the region's five-year average for the first quarter, as stated in a recent report released on Wednesday.
The largest decline was observed in TV production, which had previously spearheaded the industry's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic-induced shutdowns.
Numerous Hollywood studios have curtailed their investments in content and laid off hundreds of employees in an attempt to mitigate losses in their streaming platforms.
These cost-cutting measures coincide with ongoing negotiations concerning pay and working conditions between producers and writers. The Writers Guild of America members have overwhelmingly authorized their leaders to call for a strike if an agreement cannot be reached by May 1.
The prevailing uncertainty has made some companies hesitant to commence production on shows. FilmLA President Paul Audley remarked, “As companies have cut back on either the number of shows they're doing, or films they're making, or the number of episodes of those shows, it has reduced overall numbers worldwide. We're also seeing some degree of reticence to start in particular television series that may run into labor actions.”
The Directors Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA are scheduled to enter negotiations for new contracts in May and June.
Audley further noted that local businesses reliant on the film industry are also experiencing a downturn in business.
During the quarter, approximately one-fourth of television productions in the Los Angeles area received tax credits through California's film and TV tax credit program, which Governor Gavin Newsom intends to extend this year.
One notable beneficiary of the program is Amazon Studios' high-budget spy drama “Citadel,” which will relocate from the U.K. to Los Angeles for its second season and will receive a $25-million state tax credit. The California Film Commission revealed that the show is expected to spend $119 million in the region.
Audley emphasized the significance of renewing the tax incentive, stating, “Without the California film tax credit, we would be in extreme stress.” He described its renewal as “critical.”
Television shoots experienced a 36% decline to 2,868 shoot days, 24% below the five-year quarterly average. TV dramas saw a 40% decrease to 762 shoot days during the period, featuring productions such as FX's “Mayans MC” and HBO's “The Sympathizer.” Approximately 24% of TV drama shoot days were allocated to shows enrolled in the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program.
TV pilots, which have become increasingly rare due to the rise of direct-to-series orders from streaming companies, only accounted for seven shoot days in the quarter, an 88% decrease compared to last year.
TV sitcoms like CBS' “Young Sheldon” experienced the highest yearly increase among television categories, rising by 25% to 324 shoot days. However, sitcom production remained 22% below the five-year average.
Feature film production remained relatively stable compared to the previous year, with movies such as Universal Pictures' “Fast X” contributing to 595 shoot days in the first quarter, only one day more than the previous year.
Despite filming advertisements for Chevron and Walmart in Los Angeles, the local production of commercials continued to decline. Shoot days for commercials decreased by 23% to 899 in the first quarter compared to last year, representing a 33% decline from the five-year average.
About Writer's Guild of America:
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a linchpin in the fabric of Hollywood, a bastion for the rights and creative freedoms of screenwriters. With its rich history and continuing commitment to the screenwriting profession, the WGA has left an indelible mark on the American entertainment industry. This blog post provides an overview of the WGA, its functions, and the pivotal role it plays in the world of film and television.
What is the Writers Guild of America?
The Writers Guild of America is a labor union composed of the thousands of writers who write the content for television shows, movies, news programs, documentaries, animation, and digital media. The WGA is split into two separate entities based on geography: the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), headquartered in New York, and the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), based in Los Angeles.
The Role and Functions of the WGA
-
Negotiating and Enforcing Contracts: The WGA is responsible for negotiating minimum basic agreements (MBAs) on behalf of all Guild members. These contracts stipulate the minimum rates of pay, working conditions, and creative rights for writers.
-
Protecting Intellectual Property: The Guild helps protect a writer's intellectual property rights and manages a script registration service to help safeguard writers' work.
-
Advocacy: The WGA is the voice of its members, championing their rights, and advocating for them in political, economic, and social contexts.
-
Support and Education: The Guild provides resources for professional development, organizes events and seminars, and offers a plethora of networking opportunities.
Impact of the WGA on the Entertainment Industry
The WGA's influence extends far beyond its membership. It has shaped the entertainment industry by:
-
Promoting Fairness: By setting the standard for industry contracts, the WGA has played a crucial role in ensuring fair treatment and compensation for writers.
-
Encouraging Diversity: The WGA has taken steps to promote diversity in the entertainment industry, encouraging inclusive hiring practices and advocating for underrepresented voices.
-
Maintaining Quality: The Guild's stringent membership requirements and commitment to professional development help uphold the quality of writing across the industry.
Conclusion
The Writers Guild of America, an essential institution in the entertainment industry, provides crucial support for those who create the stories we see on screen. Beyond negotiating contracts and protecting rights, the WGA contributes to shaping a more diverse, fair, and high-quality entertainment landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, the Guild's role remains as crucial as ever, advocating for those who spin tales out of the ether and onto our screens.
More Project Casting Resources:
Unpaid Acting Work: A Guide for Aspiring Actors
Making the Most of Unpaid Acting Work: A Guide for Aspiring Actors Aspiring actors often find themselves in a tricky situation regarding unpaid acting work. On …
How to Audition for Commercials
Auditioning for an advert can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to show your best work and impress the casting directors, yet you are often put on the sp…
How to Make Your Audition Stand Out: An Actor's Guide
6 Proven Strategies to Stand Out and Nail Your Next Audition Auditions are a crucial aspect of pursuing a career in the performing arts. Whether you're trying t…
