News Summary
California’s film and television industry is suffering a dramatic downturn, losing approximately 40,000 jobs in 2023 primarily due to strikes by writers and actors. With a 58% decrease in television production since 2021, the situation remains critical, prompting discussions for enhanced tax incentives to revive the local industry. Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed increasing film and television tax credits to attract productions back to California. As job opportunities dwindle, many industry workers are exploring new careers to deal with the ongoing instability in Hollywood.
California is experiencing a significant downturn in its film and television industry, with approximately 40,000 jobs lost in 2023 due to strikes by writers and actors. This alarming trend represents a 58% decline in television production in the greater Los Angeles area since its peak in 2021, drastically affecting the livelihoods of those working in Hollywood.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that the number of shoot days for television production fell from 18,560 in 2021 to 7,716 in 2024, reflecting a sharp decline in on-location production by 22.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. The concerning drop in production activity has sparked discussions around the need for increased tax incentives to prevent further job losses in the state.
Amidst the crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed raising the state’s annual film and television tax credits from $330 million to $750 million. This proposal aims to reverse the ongoing decline and attract more productions back to California, which has seen many move to locations offering more substantial tax breaks, some as high as 40% from European countries.
Matthew Belloni, an industry analyst, describes the situation as a “triage situation,” indicating a critical need for emergency measures to revive the local industry. Despite the initiatives proposed at the state level, skepticism remains regarding California’s capacity to offer sufficient incentives to compete with other jurisdictions.
Workers in Hollywood are facing severe financial concerns. For instance, Phil Mangano, a film and television editor, has had to apply for jobs outside the industry due to dwindling opportunities. Similarly, Heather Fink, a freelance sound utility worker, experienced significant financial struggles after the strikes, although she managed to secure a role with the popular show “Grey’s Anatomy.” Many in the industry are now exploring new careers or taking on side jobs to cope with the ongoing instability and financial challenges.
While the Otis College report reveals that the entertainment industry added nearly 15,000 jobs last year, this is not enough to recoup from the losses sustained during the strikes, with employment still 25% below pre-pandemic levels. The overall number of filming days has decreased by 42% compared to 2022, indicating a continuing trend away from California-based production efforts.
Many industry professionals remain without work and are grappling with mental health challenges amid the ongoing uncertainty. The industry now appears to be settling into a “new normal,” characterized by lower production levels compared to those prior to the strikes. In light of these challenges, a local initiative called “Stay in L.A.” has emerged, pushing for measures to encourage emergency interventions to restore local filming activities and promote more on-site production in Los Angeles.
The ongoing situation reflects a larger trend in the entertainment industry, where productions are increasingly opting for locations with more generous tax incentives, thus threatening California’s position as a leading hub for film and television. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders are concerned about maintaining the viability and growth of California’s creative sector, which has long been a driving force in the region’s economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC Los Angeles: Hollywood Film & TV Production Jobs
- Los Angeles Times: Hollywood Jobs Outlook
- New York Times: Hollywood Jobs Lost Due to Strikes
- Fox LA: Hollywood Job Market Update
- ABC7: Proposal to Reduce Film Production Fees in LA
- Wikipedia: Film Industry in the United States
- Google Search: California Film and Television Industry 2024
- Google Scholar: Hollywood Film Industry Decline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film History
- Google News: California Film Production Jobs
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange 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 the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
