Current State of the Hollywood Industry Post-Strikes

Introduction

• Actors had high hopes post-SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
• Expectations of new casting calls and jobs not met.
• The lecture covers industry cost-cutting, casting droughts, extinction of pilot season, and the Hollywood contraction.

Impact of the Streaming Revolution

• Streaming has fundamentally changed the industry.
• Traditional TV had longer seasons and more jobs (22-episode orders).
• Streaming seasons are shorter (13, 8, or even 6 episodes).
• Less work stability for actors and crew.
• Streaming has affected the frequency and structure of new pilot seasons.
• Companies overspent during streaming wars.

Strike Effects

• Series cancellations due to lack of writers and talent during strikes.
• Post-strike, still less work than expected.

Hollywood Contraction

• Industry-wide cost-cutting measures in effect, referred to as the Hollywood contraction.
• Production companies still cautious post-strike.
• Reduced production volume and spending levels – about 50% lower.

Post-Strike Cost-Cutting Methods

• Salary cuts, even for well-known shows (e.g., Blue Bloods cast took a 25% pay cut).
• Studios are changing actor ranks (series regulars to recurring) to cut costs.
• Shows reduce episode counts to save money (e.g., Law and Order cut from 22 episodes to 18-20).

Impact on Actors

• Intense competition for fewer roles.
• High competition, thousands of auditions for small roles.
• Fewer pilots being casted currently (only three at NBC).
• Emotional and mental toll on actors.

Impact on Other Creatives

• Agents/managers earn on commission; less work = less income.
• Smaller agencies struggling to survive.
• Casting directors facing fewer job opportunities, some leaving LA.
• Writers affected by character cuts and fewer show productions.
• CEOs’ salaries mostly unaffected (increased or stayed high).

Contraction Adaptations

• Streamers adopting cable models (ad-supported tiers, bundles).
• Instances of live TV and cracking down on password sharing.
• Industry must stay innovative to retain subscribers.

Future Outlook

• The situation is considered temporary by some industry insiders.
• Industry historically has dry spells and fluctuates.
• The type of roles or demographics sought can also cause dry spells.
• Currently, studios prefer established IPs over original content.

Conclusion

• Despite current challenges, industry dynamics are cyclical.
• Encouragement for actors to adjust and remain hopeful for future opportunities.