News Summary
California’s film and television industry is experiencing a significant downturn, with approximately 40,000 job losses attributed to recent strikes affecting writers and actors. Production in Los Angeles has declined sharply, leading many industry professionals to seek alternative employment. Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed increase in tax credits aims to revitalize the sector, but skepticism remains about its effectiveness. As the industry confronts ongoing challenges, initiatives like ‘Stay in L.A.’ are advocating for actions to restore local filming and production.
California is witnessing a significant downturn in its film and television industry, with job losses continuing to accumulate in the wake of strikes that affected writers and actors in 2023. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 40,000 jobs were lost in this sector, which has sent shockwaves through the local economy.
The impact of these strikes has led to a staggering 58% decline in television production in the greater Los Angeles area since its peak in 2021, as reported by FilmLA. The number of shoot days for television production plummeted from 18,560 in 2021 to just 7,716 in 2024, further illustrating the troubling trend in job opportunities available in Hollywood.
Recent data shows that on-location production in Los Angeles declined by 22.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This ongoing reduction has prompted many industry professionals to explore other job avenues, with some even seeking employment outside the entertainment field to cope with financial instability.
Matthew Belloni from Puck News referred to the current state of Hollywood as a “triage situation,” indicating that many productions are relocating to states and countries offering better tax incentives. Some European countries provide tax incentives as attractive as 40% for productions, making it increasingly difficult for California to compete.
In response to these challenges, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed increasing the state’s annual film and television tax credits from $330 million to $750 million. This proposal aims to revive the struggling industry, but skepticism remains about whether California can offer enough tax credits to match the competition presented by other jurisdictions. The idea to boost incentives aims to encourage production companies to continue filming in California, thus supporting job retention.
Industry insiders have reported mixed outcomes amid the turmoil. For example, while some crew members have secured temporary employment, others remain jobless and are grappling with mental health challenges as a result of ongoing instability. Phil Mangano, a film and television editor, recently noted that he had to apply for a job at Costco due to his dwindling workload and financial concerns.
Heather Fink, a freelance sound utility worker, also faced financial struggles but managed to find work with the show “Grey’s Anatomy.” This highlights that, although some workers are finding temporary stability, significant challenges persist within the industry, leading many to consider new careers or pursue side gigs.
The Otis College report noted that entertainment jobs in California during 2024 remained approximately 25% below the peak levels seen in 2022, which had already been affected by pandemic disruptions. Furthermore, the number of shooting days in Los Angeles County has decreased by 42% compared to 2022, marking a stark reduction in production activity in the area.
Although the entertainment sector added nearly 15,000 jobs last year, this increase has not been sufficient to recover from the significant job losses incurred during the strikes. As the industry settles into what may be described as a “new normal,” production levels appear to be considerably lower than those experienced prior to the strikes.
To combat the decline, a local initiative called “Stay in L.A.” has been launched to advocate for emergency measures that would restore local filming and promote additional on-site production within Los Angeles. This initiative aims to encourage both the government and industry stakeholders to take proactive steps to revive California’s film and television landscape.
Overall, the state of California’s film and television industry represents a critical economic factor facing unique challenges, with job losses prompting a re-evaluation of tax incentives and production strategies that could potentially reshape the future of the industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC Los Angeles: Hollywood Film & TV Production Jobs
- Los Angeles Times: Hollywood Jobs Outlook
- Spectrum News: Hollywood Jobs Stay in LA
- Business Insider: Hollywood Leaving Los Angeles
- New York Times: Hollywood Jobs Lost to Strikes
- Wikipedia: Film Industry
- Google Search: California film industry
- Google Scholar: Hollywood job losses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Google News: California film production
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
