Writers’ Strike in Los Angeles Halts Scripted TV Production, Impacting Local Economy
The ongoing writers’ strike in Los Angeles has brought scripted TV production to a virtual standstill, entering its second month and causing significant economic repercussions. This labor standoff has resulted in a complete absence of permits issued for scripted TV series filming on location in the L.A. region, according to FilmLA, the nonprofit organization responsible for tickets. The decline in TV shoots is particularly noteworthy since scripted TV typically drives a substantial portion of on-location film shoots in Los Angeles. As a result, the adverse effects are rippling through Southern California’s economy, affecting local businesses and the thousands of crew members employed in the film and TV industry.
Paul Audley, president of FilmLA, expressed concern over the struggles local businesses linked to the film and TV industry faced. The downturn in activity has dealt a severe blow to these establishments, with some unsure of their ability to endure the prolonged strike in terms of numbers, last week’s shoot days in the L.A. region dropped by 30% compared to the same period the previous year, primarily due to nonunion independent movies, reality TV, and commercials. FilmLA reported that only three permits were issued for scripted TV projects during the current week.
The Writers Guild of America initiated the strike on May 2 after failing to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a new contract. The dispute revolves around streaming pay and other related issues. Multiple productions, including “Loot” on Apple TV+, “Good Trouble,” and the Lionsgate film “Good Fortune,” have been halted due to the successful picketing by union members. In a show of solidarity, members of the Teamsters, SAG-AFTRA, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees joined the striking writers at a multi-union rally, marching from Pan Pacific Park to the La Brea Tar Pits.
The previous writers’ strike, lasting 100 days, resulted in an estimated $2.1 billion loss to the state’s economy. Industry experts predict that the current strike could surpass these costs. The impact of potential strikes by SAG-AFTRA members looms large, as they have authorized their leaders to call a strike if a new contract is not negotiated with major studios before June 30, when their current contract expires. An actors’ strike would have far-reaching consequences, suspending productions worldwide and jeopardizing plans to resume filming TV series in the fall.
The impending work stoppages pose a significant challenge for small businesses still grappling with the aftermath of previous shutdowns. These enterprises, already severely affected by the pandemic, now face further uncertainty. Kevin Klowden, the chief global strategist at the Milken Institute, highlighted the potentially dire consequences, raising concerns about the financial health of these businesses.
The writers’ strike in Los Angeles has crippled scripted TV production, causing a substantial decline in on-location filming permits. The consequences extend beyond the entertainment industry, with local businesses and crew members experiencing severe hardships. As the strike persists, the economic impact grows, and industry experts remain uncertain about the potential costs. Moreover, the possibility of an actors’ strike adds to the looming uncertainty, potentially bringing productions to a halt and exacerbating the challenges faced by small businesses already struggling to recover.
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