Set builder Greg Gilday has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, working on some of Disney’s big Star Wars shows and building spaceships for the franchise’s Ahsoka series. However, during the Hollywood strikes that lasted for months this year, he found himself doing something a bit more down to earth. Gilday took it upon himself to organize swap meets where out-of-work entertainment industry professionals could sell their belongings to make ends meet.
As the actors ratified a new contract, many were hopeful that the jobs would come flooding back. Unfortunately for Gilday, the impact of SAG-AFTRA reaching a deal has not been felt yet. He mentioned that the end of the calendar year is typically a slow time for productions, but he anticipates a surge in opportunities come January.
The dual Hollywood strikes that began with the Writers Guild of America in May, followed by the start of SAG-AFTRA picketing in July, were a significant event in the entertainment industry. These strikes, which lasted over six months, resulted in gains for writers and actors in their new union contracts, including protections around the use of artificial intelligence, wage increases, and more.
While the industry is eager to get back to work, experts caution that a return to business as usual will take time. The industry may not reach the peak employment levels seen after the pandemic, when there was a surge in productions driven by streaming platforms. The estimated cost of the production stoppages is around $7 billion, with a significant portion of that in California.
Recovery in the industry may look different this time around. Streaming services are moving away from the big spending days when they were searching for the next hit show, which could impact the level of production and employment in Hollywood. A recent study from Otis College highlighted a downward trend in employment in the industry, with nearly 25,000 workers losing their jobs since April.
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism among industry professionals. Actor Renée Threatte, who was a strike captain during the SAG-AFTRA strike, expressed her readiness to get back to work. While auditions are slow at the moment, she is hopeful that opportunities will increase in January. However, the struggle to afford living in Los Angeles remains a concern for many in the industry.
The cost of living in L.A. is a major issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the entertainment industry. Hollywood has always been seen as a gateway to a sustainable middle-class life, and it is essential to maintain that reputation to attract and retain talent. As the industry navigates through the aftermath of the strikes, the focus on fair wages and a viable way of life in Los Angeles remains crucial for its future success.