For Hollywood workers, L.A. fires are the latest setback as productions halt

With the documentary and content market experiencing a slowdown in Hollywood, causing work scarcity, Kourtney Gleason, a producer, found herself increasingly concerned about meeting the mortgage payments for the house she purchased last year together with her partner.

Currently, with wildfires causing a halt in film and TV production across Southern California, many in the industry have sadly lost their homes. This has left Gleason, who’s been in the business for 12 years, feeling extremely anxious about another potential setback for the entertainment industry. In light of this, she’s finding herself considering restaurant work as a means to make ends meet.

She stated, “The local economy is so delicate that even minor issues can create significant obstacles,” she explained, adding, “and another hurdle that might delay further progress.

The fires’ devastation worsens an already challenging situation for numerous Hollywood workers. Recovering from the pandemic, they experienced financial distress during the double labor strikes in 2023, followed by a prolonged decrease in film and TV production that has caused many to reconsider their careers within the industry.

According to Kevin Klowden, executive director of the Milken finance institute, many of the behind-the-scenes workers were already dealing with an overwhelming amount of stress. This new development is just another hardship for those working in Hollywood.

Five individuals have tragically lost their lives, yet authorities anticipate that the death count could rise further. Over 2,000 buildings have been engulfed in flames, and at least 130,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate. Experts warn that Los Angeles is still vulnerable and these fires carry the possibility of becoming the most expensive wildfire catastrophe in U.S. history.

Due to the extensive number of fires across the region, virtually every tier of the Hollywood industry has felt the impact.

In the Pacific Palisades region, where a fire named the Palisades Fire has scorched over 17,200 acres and left behind a trail of destroyed homes, businesses, and iconic landmarks, resides a significant number of Hollywood stars, studio executives, and producers. Notable figures like Billy Crystal and Cary Elwes have unfortunately seen their homes go up in flames due to this blaze.

In the Pasadena and Altadena neighborhoods, the Eaton fire has spread over 10,600 acres, leaving numerous structures in ruins. The San Gabriel Valley is a region where many workers from the industry, particularly those who are not high-end or affluent, reside. These individuals have been economically impacted due to the slowdown in production and the move of film sets to other locations, either within different states or overseas.

Five individuals tragically lost their lives, and officials anticipate that the death count could rise. Over 2,000 buildings have been engulfed in flames, while at least 130,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate. Experts caution that Los Angeles is still in harm’s way, as these fires may become the most expensive wildfire disaster ever recorded in U.S. history.

Jan. 8, 2025

1) The fires might be among the most expensive natural calamities in the U.S.’s history based on preliminary assessments. Estimates by AccuWeather, a weather forecasting service, suggest damages and total economic loss ranging from $52 billion to $57 billion, which could potentially increase if the fires persist. J.P. Morgan recently adjusted its predictions of financial losses to nearly $50 billion.

In many instances, homes affected by recent disasters were not insured because major insurance companies have ceased issuing or renewing policies in high-risk areas like coastal and wildfire zones. The difficulties encountered with fire insurance, coupled with the region’s housing affordability issues and scarcity, are expected to worsen due to these fires according to Klowden. This may prompt some residents to question if they can continue living in California.

“It adds up,” he said. “How many more people decide they can’t afford to stay?”

Workers in Hollywood have harbored optimism that the year 2025 might bring a return to more favorable employment conditions, approaching the levels experienced prior to the pandemic.

However, with yet another calamity, “it seems like an additional burden that’s been added,” expressed Jacques Gravett, a film editor predominantly known for his work in television on series such as “Power Book IV: Force” on Starz and “13 Reasons Why” on Netflix.

For about 13 months during the pandemic and strikes, Gravett found himself unemployed. He expressed his worry about how financially affected workers, who were already struggling, will manage in light of the damage caused by the fires.

When unexpected events occur while you’re working, you have means to cope, but many people lack these resources today,” said Gravett, a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild’s African-American steering committee. “Now we find ourselves dealing with another hardship for those who’ve been displaced. How do we move forward?

The impact of the fires might encourage legislators to endorse Governor Gavin Newsom’s suggested expansion of California’s film and television tax credit scheme, as this move could entice production companies to return to California, thereby creating more job opportunities within the state, according to Klowden.

“Right now, the industry desperately is waiting on the incentives to be expanded,” he said.

For the short term, conversations regarding upcoming projects have reached a standstill. Gary Lennon, the producer behind multiple “Power” sequels such as “Force,” stated that he was informed by an agent that it’s probable there will be a brief hiatus before anyone is ready to entertain new concepts.

Lennon stated that the process of buying products or services, as well as pitch meetings, may experience a temporary setback due to the current focus of people on immediate events unfolding around them.

Before the fires, he had been receiving around two to three job inquiries per week from various professionals such as production designers, editors, costume designers, and more, all seeking employment.

But once the industry is ready to ramp back, he said he thinks it will move quickly.

Given all the recent events, it seems we’ll resume operations immediately as there’s a demand for work, according to Lennon. He considers this development beneficial.

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2025-01-10 02:01