Where Did All the Work Go? Hollywood's Commercial Crews Feel the Pinch
Hollywood's commercial production crews are facing a challenging period. Work is becoming scarce, and many are seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The Impact on Local Businesses
Diane McArter, who runs Furlined, a company that produces ads for big names like Apple and Eli Lilly, is one of those affected. She's been traveling extensively, shooting commercials in places like Glasgow, Prague, Mexico City, and Toronto. This trend means a significant loss of revenue for Los Angeles.
The Role of Commercial Advertising
Commercial advertising has always been the less glamorous cousin of film and TV in Hollywood. However, it has been a steady source of income for many crew members, helping them pay the bills, especially when film and TV work is slow.
The Current State of Commercial Production
Commercial production in Los Angeles is down. Way down. In the third quarter of this year, it was 18% lower than last year and 40% lower than the five-year average. This is a substantial drop.
The Safety Net with Holes
Commercial work has always been a safety net for industry workers. But now, that net has holes in it. Unlike film and TV, commercial production isn't getting any help from the state. A new law in California offers tax breaks for film and TV production, but commercial work is left out in the cold.
The Reasons Behind the Decline
The decline in commercial production is due to a mix of factors:
- Production companies are looking elsewhere for cheaper options.
- The rise of digital advertising has changed the game.
The Result
The result is the same: fewer jobs for Hollywood's commercial crews.
The Future
It's a tough situation, and it's not clear when things will improve. But one thing is certain: Hollywood's commercial crews are resilient. They've weathered storms before, and they'll do it again. But they need support, and they need it now.
