News Summary

California’s film and television industry is suffering significant job losses due to strikes by writers and actors in 2023. With around 40,000 jobs lost and a 58% decline in television production, experts call for increased tax incentives to revive the struggling sector. The impact of production location shifts to states with better tax benefits has compounded the challenges, leading to skepticism about California’s competitiveness. Although some measures are proposed to boost local production, the industry’s future remains uncertain as workers seek alternative employment amidst a dire financial landscape.

California is experiencing significant job losses in its film and television industry following strikes by writers and actors in 2023. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a staggering loss of approximately 40,000 jobs this year, with a noticeable decline of 58% in television production in the greater Los Angeles area since its peak in 2021. This drop has prompted calls for increased tax incentives as the industry seeks to recover from ongoing instability.

Financial struggles have become common among film industry workers, exemplified by individuals like Phil Mangano, a film and television editor who had relied on steady work before strikes disrupted the industry. The number of shooting days for television production fell dramatically from 18,560 in 2021 to merely 7,716 in 2024. Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2025 alone, on-location production in Los Angeles was down by 22.4% compared to the same period in the previous year. Such alarming statistics have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of California’s long-standing reputation as a film and television production hub.

The shift in production activities has been influenced by various states and countries offering more attractive tax incentives. For instance, some European countries provide tax benefits as high as 40% for films, leading Hollywood studios to reassess their filming locations. As a result, the state of California’s competitive edge is increasingly faltering, pushing productions to seek more lucrative options elsewhere.

In response to this crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed an increase in the state’s annual film and TV tax credits from $330 million to $750 million aimed at reviving local production levels lost during the strikes. However, skepticism remains regarding whether California’s offerings can adequately compete with incentives provided by other jurisdictions. Industry experts note the pressing need for significant improvements in tax credits to attract productions back to the state.

Despite ongoing challenges, some workers within the industry are finding temporary solutions to their financial situations. Heather Fink, a freelance sound utility worker, faced adversity after the strikes but recently secured a job with “Grey’s Anatomy.” Others, however, such as Mangano, have been forced to look for employment outside the entertainment field, with reports indicating that he applied for a position at Costco to address mounting financial pressures.

The labor landscape in California’s entertainment sector has not yet fully recovered from pandemic-related disruptions and subsequent job losses. The Otis College report indicated that jobs in the entertainment industry in 2024 remain 25% below the peak levels recorded in 2022. Furthermore, Los Angeles County witnessed a 42% decrease in filming days in 2024 compared to two years prior, underscoring the challenges faced by the workforce.

Although nearly 15,000 new jobs were added in the sector last year, this figure falls significantly short of the number lost during the strikes. The film and television industry appears to be settling into what some experts describe as a “new normal,” characterized by consistently lower production levels compared to pre-strike times. As crews grapple with persistent instability, many are beginning to explore alternate careers or side jobs to make ends meet.

Amid these developments, an initiative called “Stay in L.A.” has been introduced to advocate emergency measures aimed at reviving local filming and encouraging a return to in-person production in Los Angeles. As industry professionals continue to navigate a turbulent landscape, the future of California’s film and television sector remains uncertain as it strives to regain its former vitality amidst growing competition.