With Hollywood shedding jobs, here is help for coping with the slowdown

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As a struggling actor and lifelong Angeleno who’s seen the ebb and flow of Hollywood‘s fortunes, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness and frustration reading about the current state of our industry. The Times’ recent reports on the plight of crew members, writers, and other entertainment professionals hit close to home for me and countless others who have devoted their lives to this business.

Trying to forge a career in Hollywood — or maintain one — is a struggle right now.

The number of people employed in Los Angeles County’s film and television production sector, which primarily involves motion picture and sound recording industries, is currently at its lowest point in over 30 years, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This decline can be attributed to only two significant events: the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the writers’ and actors’ strikes that took place in 2023.

As a passionate movie lover, I’ve noticed that even before the significant studio strikes, film production had been gradually decreasing due to the disruptive impact of streaming services on the industry business model. Consequently, many productions started shifting away from California.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve been closely following The Times’ coverage of the ongoing challenges faced by film crews, writers, and the industry as a whole during its post-strike recovery. It’s heartening to see so many readers expressing their concern and seeking guidance on how they can support these professionals.

Based on my own experiences and encounters with various challenges in life, I strongly believe that open communication and seeking help when needed are essential for maintaining good mental health and financial stability. With this belief in mind, I am thrilled to share a collection of stories compiled by our team. These narratives offer insights into overcoming mental health issues, practical financial tips, and valuable information on how to access available resources. By learning from others’ experiences, we can all take steps towards improving our own lives.

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Mental health matters

(Illustration by Jim Cooke / Los Angeles Times)

Crew members responsible for building and illuminating sets, script supervisors, and grips spoke with The Times during this challenging period, expressing their concerns as they’ve been unable to work. Mental health experts have offered advice on monitoring your psychological well-being and preventing potential issues from arising. We’ve also gathered a list of mental health resources available in various states and countries for your reference. >VISIT ARTICLE

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Financial tips and advice

(Illustration by Jim Cooke / Los Angeles Times)

Even if you don’t have a budget right now, it’s not too late to make financial adjustments that can help sustain you during this period of disrupted production. Here are some suggestions from financial experts on how to manage financially during tough times. [Go to the article for more information.]

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Where to look for financial aid

(Illustration by Jim Cooke / Los Angeles Times)

Entertainment industry professionals, including workers, actors, and writers, have various options for obtaining emergency financial assistance. These resources are funded by unions, foundations, and donors. They provide aid exclusively to individuals in the most dire financial situations from particular sectors of the industry.

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2024-07-18 22:19