Well, for me, I think it’s possible but getting an entertaining job in LA can be tricky. Since Hollywood is losing its magic touch as they’re corrupt by their greed and stupidity. We had the Actors Strike a year ago and I see that independent filming is very popular these days. The best thing is that Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu have become major distributors of indie films, providing them with a global platform that was previously inaccessible. These streaming giants are actively seeking out independent films, recognising their potential to draw in audiences and generate critical acclaim.
LA is the place where power of networking is key wherever you are in the states..regardless of how many people say that you can “make it” outside of LA.
@@MakaylaLysiak honestly where this industry is going and how I’ve heard Atlanta is becoming the “New LA” for film, depending on if it’s an already known franchise most ppl don’t really have to move to LA for tv/film in my opinion 🤷🏽♀️
I work in film and have been for nearly ten years and have never seen it this bad as far as lack of work goes. Industry veterans I know of 20+ years are going bankrupt and losing homes due to the lack of work and tax incentives going overseas. If you're a newbie, and want to work in film, LA is not the place to move to anymore. a lot of the work is going to Europe (Dublin, Budapest and Prague) and Australia/NZ. Even my friends in London and Toronto are all not doing great.
@@MakaylaLysiak those said producers will also tell you its next to impossible to get a greenlight on a movie to shoot in LA unless SEVERE reductions in budget (all ATL working for scale) occur. And you can forget about being in LA -based worker getting hired to go work overseas either. At best you can work elsewhere in the US but thats not easy.
This is great. LA needs serious changes -Cost of living can go down -Hollywood can discover fresh and talented faces to be A-list actors. So bored of seeing the same A-list actors on screen -More variety in settings -More variety in stories in films/shows
You won't see classic movie stars again. Different time and distractions of social media. At the time most actors would concentrate on acting. Now they want to also be social media stars and guru / actor..
Fame is microwaved into success in Hollywood nowadays. If there were any new faces capable of having that star power you would see them. Everyone today is just having a moment. No one is iconic like actors back in the day
french actor here! this is true. i moved to Atlanta in the U.S to pursue film/tv & there are so many opportunities out here. feeling grateful to be a part of this industry :)
A friend of mine left Atlanta for Los Angeles about 3 or 4 years ago to seek an acting career for her daughter and her daughter has gotten a few jobs bus hasn't gotten a big break yet that would pay off the bills.
@@ieattofu68Kid actors should be trying NYC because of PBS is the quickest route to getting a foot in the door and a fastest way to get the slips for SAG. I’ve worked in a handful of content last year with the production group who did “Tiny Time Travel” & “The Pigeon Explains!”. Have your friend look into PBS for her kid and that should help turn things around slowly.
@@dw9524being on set however i can is what i did for the acting route! not sure about writing… i would think that networking is always useful to create your community wherever you are
My daughter’s agent who lived in LA for years and whose daughter acted in major tv shows and movies told us that after covid LA has lost a lot of its prestige as the only hub for film and television.
@@OmariJBrooksLA is still a hub. However, the easier access of technology, equipment, the rise of indies and people who are “anti-Hollywood” and “anti-establishment/elites” are making their own production companies or relocating to more tax friendly cities and states like Atlanta, Albuquerque, New Orleans, Chicago, Austin, and Miami.
@@FatherDaughterDuoReactions why the fuck is it even a hub,should it even be a hub,because this is what hub or what not do,they mess up,they become gangsters,goons,
it makes a lot of sense also as time goes on because of the power of the internet, people are starting their own film production companies where they can just place it online, I have saw independent films and series that are just, as good as the mainstream
I have had a 40 year career in the film industry. Production began leaving California in the 1990s, and over time this has eroded LA as "the movie capitol of the world". Any incentives California may be offering today are too little and too late, like closing the barn door after the horses have escaped. The film industry originally went to LA because it was inexpensive, and the weather was ideal year round. The weather is still fine, but it is now prohibitively expensive to do anything there. It's hard to imagine production ever returning to LA at this point.
I got into USC-Cinema 30 years ago, and lived in LA '97-'99 working as a writer/storyboard artist to finance school. The Dot-com crash in '99 screwed up all my contracts, and went broke, and so I had to go home. My home state of Texas is now working hard to grow production here. I used to love Cali, but wow -it has gone down the tubes in every way in the last 25 years. I doubt things will get better for LA.... I feel sorry for you & all in the industry.
@@raverbunniaz As much as it pains me, over time: YES (I have engineering skills & could have done the same). At the time: NO -but who knew the way life would change over 30 years. Also, when young one thinks oneself as cowardly for not pursuing dreams. If I could tell myself 30 years ago i would have been an engineer, with a 2nd degree in film and pursue as a "hobby" that could be successful but not only career.
That's what I have noticed. There was a lot of work in Hollywood, especially in the TV industry from late 50's through the 90's. Once the 2000's came, the work started to diminish. Now with technology and streaming, people don't have to stay home to watch TV anymore. Also, the new formula is redoing old movies and TV shows. It's boring.
I live in LA and it’s so unnecessary now. I fly out to do work in other states all of the time. No need to come to LA if you’re not already there. Just my opinion 💕
Also, 50 Cent is bringing G Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana; which will make it the 2nd biggest black owned movie studios in the world behind Tyler Perry; also Anthony Mackie is building his 20 acre East Studios in New Orleans.
@@k4kafka Yeah, you're right; but, 50 Cent doing this; its good news to the local people and surrounding areas. California is the most expensive state if I'm not mistaking while Louisiana is the 2nd poorest state. For someone that is struggling they might find easier to survive but the cost of living is lower. Also with his name he will bring business and other attractions to the city. As of now he is already the 2nd biggest business owner in downtown Shreveport. He keep buying vacant buildings and properties.
@@blast4me754 I wondered the same thing. Shreveport does have history when it comes to film; several big name actors did movie here. Also it has potential, its like a mini Las Vegas. Its the tax incentives in Louisiana, he shot a movie in Shreveport before. Louisiana is the first state to do tax incentives; they set the trend. Then states like Georgia and other states followed when they seen what was happening in Louisiana. Most movies was shot in Los Angeles or New York. Shreveport had several big movies out here. I have been an extra in about 15 movies since I moved here. When New Orleans movie industry was growing Hurricane Katrina put a slow down in New Orleans and lots movies stopped production. Since film makers at the time didn't want to leave the state because of the tax incentives; they realize they can shoot in Louisiana's 3rd biggest city which is in the northern part of the state away from the Gulf of Mexico. Shreveport was a hot spot for movies for a short period; but, As New Orleans started rebuilding and recovering it slowed down in Shreveport. The governor of Louisiana also passed laws to make the film industry pay taxes(something like that) and it caused a lot of movie studios leave to Atlanta. I know it was sounds crazy but since they were the first state to do it they was actually the 3rd biggest movie spot behind Los Angeles and New York; by 2015 it was the first time Los Angeles was surpassed when it comes to biggest productions money wise. The moment they did that the state messed up their own movie industry by trying to make them pay some taxes and Disney and other companies was like; we're just go to Atlanta. Atlanta was already rising and this gave them a boost. They been killing it ever since. This slowed down for New Orleans and Baton Rouge; but, for Shreveport all for this pretty much killed it. So what 50 Cent and Anthony Mackie is doing might not only bring the state back to what it was; but, even better.
Yep, you nailed it. I've been working steadily in LA film and TV for the last 16 years. I've never seen it as bad as it has been, and the slow down began in early 2023. There is very little work here. Industry is leaving LA. You are very good at what you do! You have a new fan.
I’m leaving California today. My heart is broken and I don’t want to leave but yeah, too expensive and the politics suck out here 😢 thanks for this informative video. I’ll be in Jersey and and knowing there’s some investment in film there and PA makes me happy ❤
Hey, I've lived in NJ all my life and I just want to let you know that many people who are from here are leaving New Jersey to go to states like California and Texas. A lot of the people who are moving into New Jersey are foreign born (not that that's bad). I hope you end up liking it here! I see tons of opportunities in New York and Philadelphia
I got out of the business in 2015. It’s too volatile of an industry if you don’t want to follow it everywhere. I was in NC and all the work went to Atlanta overnight. ALL my friends and myself lost our jobs unless we relocated to ATL or LA. Then you have the strikes. The crazy hours. The fake people. I’ll probably start up my small video business again but I have no desire to work on big productions again.
It’s not just the filming side, but even Music production, with the fact that we don’t physically have to be there anymore. Many of us have moved out of the area. I create music for TV, film and trailers and to lower my overhead, my wife and I decided to relocate our family out of the state. This will make things easier for us to function and to focus on projects more. It also helps to give more time back to work on more Voiceover work as well.
@@Ayrion-ne2cxI started making music last year but I want to upgrade my production platform to a real production. Is FL really good ? It’s just pretty expensive
@maybeitsjustin1650 for making beats yes! Its top for that, but for like recording its still so so i start to experiment with ableton now for the recording process, if you have a Mac which its best choice for music production then fl studio is not so good on there best to definitely use logic but im a window user unfortunately, but also ill say this now its important to get the apollo interface, i know its expensive but trust me its worth it, i use so many others but regret wasting those years without using one
@@Ayrion-ne2cxI’ve been making music since 2001 with great success I use a mac mainly but using a PC is not a bad thing especially with studio One. It works the most like Logic, my DAW of choice.
Some celebrities prefer the more intimate, low-key environment of independent film sets compared to the constant media scrutiny and pressure associated with big-budget Hollywood productions. Working on independent films allows actors to pursue personal passion projects and take on more challenging, nuanced roles that may not be possible in mainstream Hollywood films focused on commercial success. The traditional Hollywood studio system has faced disruption from streaming, changing audience preferences, and a desire for more diverse stories and perspectives. This has opened the door for independent filmmakers to gain more prominence and attract top talent.
@@geoff3103 i think theyre talking about how, when actors do movies for big studios (especially for Disney), the actors are contracted to go on these big media-tours and have to constantly glaze the movie on the red-carpet, on People Magazine, documentaries, etc. However, with smaller movies, actors dont have to do all that.
@@natesamadhi33 well thats true initially. However...should said indie movie become a runaway hit (ala Blair Witch, Big Fat Greek Wedding etc) or a strong Awards season contender you can guarantee that the distributor will make you ramp up PR events.
@@geoff3103 oh ok, in that regard, thats true. but i do think there still is a slight difference in that situation, because an independent runaway-hit likely became a hit through organic word-of-mouth. it didnt have a giant marketing-machine behind it, so the project became a hit because it was genuinely good, enjoyable, and because the people working on it genuinely put passion behind it (and i feel like that passion is what makes the difference; if actors genuinely loved the project, they'd be more willing to promo without it feeling "forced".) On the other hand, with Disney projects, when actors work on gigantic projects like Star Wars, the actors have to come out the gate doing promo, regardless if the movie is actually terrible, or if the actors truly hate the movie behind the scenes. Disney invests so much into the marketing from the start, the actors are pretty much held hostage and have to talk in all the magazines, acting like they love the film regardless (that is, until enough time passes where they can finally be 100% honest).
I worked in the film industry in Atlanta for a lil while as a set lighting technician and in the locations department. I worked on productions for Disney, Warner Bros, Marvel, etc. A LOT of stuff you see in theaters and on TV gets filmed in Georgia. I met a lot of people who were flown out from LA to work down there
Do you feel that Georgia based actors are not getting casted in those productions made there? Someone told me that they fly their actors into Georgia to shoot film.
@@briansoofficial3737That's my understanding as well. None of the talent lives here in Atlanta. They fly in from California. I don't see how you can make it big starting in Atlanta. Auditions don't happen here. There are no acting schools. It's just a place for filming.
Georgia been becoming the next Hollywood. We seen that when they had came 2nd of most soundstages. Other tv shows and movies that film in Georgia The color purple, Forrest Gump, Jumanji, Cobra Kai, Loki, Descendants 4. So nothing new
@@MakaylaLysiak I mean yes. But Country-wide I’ll say Mexico and Georgia, and nation wide Canada. I did an audition for Nickelodeon new Thundermans and it’s filming in Canada. First time I seen a live action sitcom live audience show be filmed there.
Yes. I wish the pay was better though. I have a couple of friends that moved to Georgia, for better quality of life, but also to work in film as actors. One is also working as crew. :)
@@MakaylaLysiakGeorgia is definitely the place I’m moving there when I’m done with school and I graduate more opportunities there for me for my music career and lessons and classes auditions
I recently moved out the LA area (Orange County) after living there for the past few years. Low-key saw this firsthand. Movie productions have gradually been migrating to the South to an extent. Did some extra work in New Orleans back in the day. Cali in general is on the decline. Got too expensive after so many people moved there, mostly in the small concentrated coastal area. With everyone fleeing, in time to come I can see the Golden State essentially becoming a ghost state.
California is the most populated state and people who leave the state are actually coming back. With the current political climate people have to be more careful in which state they choose to live in. California also feeds something like 12% or 15% of the US population and in LA county alone. There’s tons of other industries which I don’t see in many other states. I’ve only lived here for two years and have barely went past Laguna Beach and on the opposite end Malibu.
I live in Bakersfield. Even this hellhole has become overpopulated and all the people fleeing LA and SF have driven up our cost of living, food, groceries, homes, cars, you name it.
NJ is cheaper to film too. Much more film production being done here. There are many independent filmmakers here too. I'm so excited about Lionsgate coming here soon!! Love this for us. There are so McMullen historical locations and areas that are great for any genre of films and scenes needed! I love that. We even have the Great Falls in my city of Paterson NJ😊
I've lived in New Jersey my whole life and all my family lives in this state or PA so I'm so happy that film is coming here, it makes me hopeful that I can stay on the east coast and still be able to be in the film industry like I've always dreamt of.
I had a conversation in 2020 with an old friend who was searching to advance their acting career. They told me, while drunk, how Atlanta based on research was the next hotspot for acting. I encouraged them to go there and leave Miami, I’m beyond happy to hear how my encouragement helped them get ahead in some way as so many are going to Atlanta. 🙏🏽😘 go best friend go best friend.
This excites me so much. I love visiting CA but I’ve never been drawn to live there and it is SO expensive! I’m a screenwriter from the east coast of the US now living in Ireland and the way that artists can connect all over the world now is insane. it’s so much better this way!
Makayla, you've nailed it yet again. Every time I thought about making a video about the entertainment industry - you make it and I feel a sigh of relief. I live in LA and unfortunately I missed out on the era when living here was a profitable move. The only thing I book here that relies on being located in LA is I audition for a few commercials in person in LA every year. Several of which shoot in Toronto and not LA.
Just moved to California for acting and production assistant it’s a gutsy move but I know some producers who say Film will never leave California. Knowing people is such a step up from coming without knowing anyone.
Yes, I do believe LA will always be the central hub for film and tv production. We are just seeing that (now more than ever) money is being put into building entertainment industries outside of California.
i have a question (as someone who wants to move to cali in the future): how hard is it to find affordable housing and i guess just moving there in general?
Why ? Why would anyone try and move to Hollywood nowadays.. Or any other entertainment city ? Why would anyone walk around with headshots begging people " please give me a chance" its silly.. Hollywood can't do anything for you that you can't do for yourself now. You can get parts in movies in Hollywood and it won't mean a thing the movie will flop you will still be broke. With the technology now the only thing stopping you from pursuing your dreams is education teaching yourself, all the tools are there for you .. There is movie editing software , cameras , apps everything.. If you have the determination and you have talent figure it out.. Millions of people will see your work or whatever you do through the internet there are tons of ways to promote yourself to the public.. Us independent movie makers are getting better and better at it .. Movies are going to start being distributed and made in other places besides Hollywood in the future It's just a natural progression.. I wouldn't move there and play that silly game.
You are very emotionally intelligent because all Hollywood does is play on people’s emotions…there was never a real reason to move to LA other than the weather…
TBH, I've been seeing Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Atlanta, and a few other cities cropping up with quality shows and films. It's nice to know that you don't HAVE to move to LA to build a great resume and recognition. Loving this for the young actors that can only afford to live with their parent's and are wary of the LA tales (not that it doesn’t happen in other cities)
I know a DP who just wrapped a film in Oklahoma. It definitely is picking up in the Midwest which is good because then studios will stop shipping Midwest based scripted content to Hungry, Canada, and Bulgaria. I mean the newest “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” from 2022 was filmed in Bulgaria but they picked places that looked exactly like Texas because it’s 30-40% cheaper to pay the crews of those countries and it’s because they don’t have to pay for medical & no meal penalties in those Eastern European countries either. That’s why they prefer it: cheap labor and over working the Eastern European crews.
I live in ATL. I have SO many neighbors that work in the film industry. I live about a mile away from a massive sound stage. My wife works for Tyler Perry (probably should have lead with that). Anyway, things are clearly changing. ATL is wonderful, I'd encourage you to come, but we don't need anymore traffic.
Writers rooms are still majority in LA, even when they go partially remote, they have days in office. Productions aren’t the only industry jobs… if you wanna work in development it’s either nyc or LA and NYC is WAY more expensive
I live in North Carolina and there are several different movies and shows that are shot in Wilmington… There used to be a lot more but I think NC changed the tax break or incentive and they have slowed down quite a bit. Atlanta is getting huge though....I think they have a Backstage Website now that's exclusively dedicated to Atlanta.
Wilmington, birth place of “Dawson’s Creek”, “One Tree Hill”, “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, and many more. My mom also went to ECU in the 1970’s. Also met on a set back in January a woman whose two older twin brothers who are grips, worked on Dawson’s Creek & One Tree Hill.
As someone that works in the industry with the HMU side of film, not only has LA upped the price on getting film permits to film OUTDOORS for Union productions this year, but ever since last years 8 month strike & the looming of another one this summer… Studios have pulled a similar stunt the automotive industry experienced in the 1970's. During that decade car manufacturers got shipped overseas to Japan. It ultimately destroyed Detroit entire economic situation and has never fully recovered ever since. This is the direction America's film industry is heading towards in every state that films because Hollywood has only green lit everything to be sent to Europe, Hungry, South America, Japan, and South Korea. And no American crews are hired to be sent over anymore. Just Dept. Heads & Directors. It's been on this trajectory since August 2022 because studios were preparing baxk then for the WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023. So be prepared if you’re looking to get into film here, it’s not the time to join because even 30+yr veterans are quitting now because they can’t even find work for over a year.
My humble opinion: 1. You mention celebrities moving out but realize these people are already made actors and can choose to leave if they want. 2. Yes, you can do self tapes anywhere. The problem is the networking. A lot of opportunities come from people you meet and get to know. You wanna be surrounded by people in the industry..directors, writers, producers etc. you can move anywhere but know you won’t be in contact with these people. Once you’re in the trenches long enough, you will realize it’s a who you know business. 3. There are more people coming into LA to pursue acting than they are leaving. Not even close. Wish everyone pursuing their dreams love and blessings.
Hey Makayla one question what is your take on the American academy of dramatic arts in Los Angeles would you say it is a good school to get started for acting in Los Angeles
EARLY YAY! Thanks for all of your information! You inspire me so much and are helping me follow my dreams. You are the reason my parents are allowing me to act! I really love your videos so much and binge watch a bunch of them all the time! Thank you so much for everything you do! 💞
Fantastic video! Well researched, and very clear and concise! I've been hearing for a while that ATL, and parts of Texas are becoming the new film industry, along with here in Phoenix. I think this is a great thing, because we'll get some greater diversity in directing styles, set design/architecture, culture influence, and of course better jobs for the locals. This needed to happen!
Fly!! I’m from Albuquerque! Been working as a background actor in plenty of productions here such as Army of the Dead, Outer Range, Obliterated, Chambers, (and other projects I can’t list right now) and have been asked to use my car for Better Call Saul. I unfortunately couldn’t be part of that project though because I moved to Las Cruces for college. Hoping to someday be bumped up to recurring roles and even a speaking role (as that often happens).
im from Montreal and its a constant mental battle on deciding to leave or not especially as a Canadian and needing a visa etc. Thanks for this video it helps a little with the decision!
Everyone says California is a toilet, but every time I go there it’s absolutely delightful. It is expensive though. About 15% across the board, more expensive.
Texas would be a smart move for all these companies. They'd have a big boom in making high quality films if they moved it all throughout the state except Houston because of the hurricanes. After that Florida has a good program too.
CA Gas tax used to .17 cents per gallon before the pandemic. Now it's over .50 cents and climbing. My car insurance went up over 30% and it's supposed to get worse.
Makayla, you are so intelligent and adorable. I learn a lot about the film industry thru you, because you give us the truth. Keep glowing, keep shining! You are amazing! 🥰⭐️💫✨️☀️
Really wish the situation in LA would change (used to live there right before the pandemic) even with working a decent office job, the only reason I was not homeless was because my brother was gracious enough to let me crash on his couch. Had three college degrees but no matter how hard I tried, could never save up enough money to get a place or find a better paying job. Eventually, had to just leave the state. It's a beautiful place, but it is way too easy to find yourself on the street there
@@justaman9724Austin TX is a good place for filming. I would like to see Dallas Fort Worth Houston attract filming. How come Florida Louisiana or the Carolinas isn’t on the list?
I’ve lived here since 2006 and there’s nothing worth going crazy over, even from the early years of me living in TX. It gets boring and repetitive over time. The landscape, the houses all looking the same, the lack of diverse nature, the weather, the bad politics, the obsession with Christianity. It’s just not worth it tbh
I seriously dont want to see LA or california set films and tv shows anymore at all. Shows and films have been way too focused there. It has became the most boring place to set story in. No more please im done seeing that city
Most sitcoms have been set on the east coast and Midwest. A few teen dramas take place in California. I can't really think of a lot of films taking place in L.A.
Great video breakdown. LA has been extremely tough on those upcoming filmmaking who live in LA. At this point is it really worth killing yourself to stay here? I recommend for anyone moving to LA who wants to be apart of the film industry to save up AT LEAST 6 months of expenses. If not, you better have someone who can support you financially on the journey.
Every aspect of Los Angeles and California is poorly managed. The state should absolutely subsidize film production with tax breaks and other incentives. But the government is hell-bent on destroying the state in every way possible.
Hollywood died years ago, and the world is just catching up. I do films in New Zealand and most of the people I know do their films in Australia, Korea and Japan. That's the new Hollywood. The ASEAN countries + Australia and New Zealand are the future of the film industry. Hopefully the technology will allow us to merge with the US and make productions in multiple countries.
No….The US will always be the hub for the greatest film and tv. Unless you’re saying that Americas are flying out to work in these areas than yes but no. Other countries love American movies and we have always been #1 and that has not changed one bit.
I've been working in TV in LA for ten years in production and now post, made my own indie feature here in LA too, and it's definitely a dire time. Covid + strikes + streamers realizing they need to return to an ad-based model to retain cable-level profitability -- all of that leads to studios deciding to shoot in Vancouver, Albuquerque, or Atlanta to get back 20-30% of their budgets in tax incentives. This has been happening for years. What's new is studios pulling way way back on the number of shows they're producing overall. LA is still a fertile ground for making lots of industry contacts and building your network to find work. I think it's great to have the industry spread out though. We shouldn't have to all congregate in one very expensive city to work in entertainment. I'm hopeful that 2025 will be a better time in LA -- the industry is totally unpredictable and who knows what the next Netflix-size thing will be that creates a massive demand for new shows/production.
This sucks to hear, I’ve always loved L.A. The weather the lifestyle, the studio tours etc. But if that’s the way it’s gonna be, that’s the way it’s gotta be.
I work in the Film/TV industry in the UK and can safely say that a good majority of studio features, Disney and Netflix shows are shot over here on the many sound stages in Greater London, e.g Barbie, Andor, Mission Impossible, Bridgerton, The Witcher, Kraven. This is largely due to cheaper labour and tax relief, execs would rather fly out here occasionally and keep tabs on their productions. Recently they've been setting up more post houses in central London as well. It's worth mentioning that most of the films you mentioned are examples of on-location filming, when it comes to backlots we have a bit of a monopoly atm. All this being said, I'm still looking to move to LA because apart from production it still remains to be the hub for actual production companies and agents, as an aspiring Writer/Director it seems like a no-brainer to be in closer proximity to the big players! Great video, keep it up.
Loved your video, but the OG mean girls 2004 was filmed in Toronto not the remake from last year. I believe that one was filmed in New Jersey. A Proud Canadian! 💕 Fly 🪰
As an actress, dancer, model & musician moving to LA was the best thing I ever did for my career & sorry to say but if you wanna network & actually work in the industry you better be within a short drive to Hollywood! Events, premieres & brand events are something you just have to actually get out & do. If you’re just sitting home & doing self tapes good luck lol
Did a business trip to CA. Walked into a 5 Guys, saw a meal was >$20. Walked into Arby's (> 15). Ended up with a pre-made sandwich from the commissary. There is no reason why industries need to be in CA. Silicon Valley started with a Bell Labs employee moving back home, not because he thought the culture was more supportive. Then DoD and space contracts fueled the Valley, but now CA companies aren't getting government contracts. Now it looks like the great hardware development center turned into apps development, which can be done other places. There is no reason why Boston can't be the new Valley, with MIT as a feeder of talent (and VC money out of NYC). CA could end up just being the breadbasket for the rest of the country, as long as it doesn't return to desert. in the 80s, East Coat kids wanted to go West for school. Not anymore.
Yet this is bad for people that want to stay in California. Central Casting Director said at least at this moment they don’t have any movies being made here. They said they mainly have TV show. They’re hoping it will pick up soon, but there is another strike whispering in the wind. They don’t seem to be worried about it. They said August it should be pick up. ❤
@@MakaylaLysiak They didn’t seem to concerned about it. Maybe it’s not as big as the other one. I don’t know what the strikes about. It could resolve itself. I’m just grateful that I tried to make my own projects. It gives me practice, and I can always have work. Right now, I play every part, but I will get to the point of getting other actors involved. I can’t wait for that day. I loved every part of the industry. I’m just grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to tell God’s stories, play different characters, and help. There always be a way.
Not only are producers leaving California, they're also leaving the country. Filming in places like Cananda and Bulgaria. Even Canada is starting to become too tax heavy now.
I live in NYC and I'm an actress, singer, dancer. Last time I visited LA was 2017 but times has changed since then. After 2020 EVERYTHING has changed. I can't understand for the life of me why aspiring actors are not seeing that Hollywood as we've known it is not the same. Actors now have to create their own brand and projects and do so much more. The structure of the business has changed and we see influencers and content creators on the rise.
really interested to know how this affects and is affected by industry unions. I’ll always be for workers having collective bargaining power. With the way companies want ai writing and images, extras body scans, no streaming residuals etc. (David zaslav is a cartoon villain) there’s a lot of motivation to cut out protected creatives and technical staff. With continued anti worker federal ruling and messaging, i hope the shift doesn’t deteriorate the protections fought for.
I stumble into TV 📺 and movie 🎥 sets almost every trip to Vancouver. I wish I stumbled into the music studios 🎙 instead! I am a musician more than an actor.
For a kid, you have pretty good insights. (small note: Atlanta is a city, not a state. The state is Georgia and for the last 10+ years it has been actively soliciting film production)
Also, Colorado (where I live) recently passed a bill for tax incentives and tax credits for film/television. It'll take some time for it to do its thing, but it's still a success for my state. Also, Boulder, Colorado is planning on submitting a proposal to host the Sundance Film Festival.
It’ll take like a full year before major productions take on the opportunity. You will see lots of ULB & LB non-union films strike at this opportunity first besides film students.
Denver/Boulder is very expensive to live in. Also the erratic weather from September through May does not help. Boulder is filled with homeless people, hippies and college kids. Homes run $1 Million or more. Beautiful area but a nightmare to live in after the influx of new people and legalization of weed.
I am an LA industry acting, voiceover, modeling, and musical theatre coach. To say that the movie business id one with LA is far fetched. Has the industry changed, and after Covid years absolutely. As an artist developer I teach my actors, vo artists and models how to adapt to an ever changing industry. There is plenty of work and those who are struggling simply haven't learned the ins and outs of the industry. Sadly many universities BA and BM programs teach the arts but not THE BUSINESS of arts. I'm always amazed when I get actors with BA or even MA degrees that don't know the first thing about the industry. In the technological age. Some basics: Actors need web portfolios with contrasting headshots. (I am always amazed how little many actors know about actual true industry headshots. Some simple rules (a) no black or white backdrops (b) no bleeds, (c) PORTRAIT not landscape (d) proper 1 color backdrop that compliments your seasonal skin tone and outfit (e) no shooting against wall with bad shadow, (f)lighting is important. Web portfolios should have 3 contrasting headshots 1 for comedy/light, 1 for dramatic and slightly more elegant. Do not wear jewelry or busy outfits with prints.. Stay monochromatic to your skin tone. Web portfolios should have 5 contrasting dramatic/5 comedic monologue short reals, add a dialect if you are comfortable. Smart actors are versatile. When the industry closed down during Covid.. My actors were working!! Why? They were do home voiceover work or doing online acting coaching to beginners. There are always options. Sadly most actors that are talented get into small rigid boxes. This is why working with an artist developer acting coach can help you look at your personal situation and options. Many of my actors also model, do vo, teach, do musical theatre, work part time as actors in amusement parks, front lounge music acts, etc. Yes many actors now travel between coasts. Atlanta is specifically more of a hot spot so many of LA travel out there for movies but other areas including San Diego, Austin and Houston or Europe are options. Each person is different. I have many method character actors here in LA County working full time, so to say the industry is dead here is just ridiculous. And as for the bitching about the cost of living .. it is expensive in other areas too like NYC. Sadly most actors are taught the "poor starving artist victim model" and have never been taught entrepreneurship and simple things they can do to succeed. Many universities are one dimensional and teach their students to be only stage actors and thus they are rigid and have trouble diversifying. Some of my student clients are doing Netflix series, Ryan Murphy projects (Ryan films in my neighborhood often.) and I have kid students with Nickelodeon and Disney. If you are not happy with your results as an actor... instead of being a victim and complaining.. Seek out an industry acting coach artist developer and diversify your talents into other related areas. AKA be the triple or quadruple threat. ACTOR, VOICEOVER ARTIST, MODEL, MUSICAL THEATRE VOCALIST, TEACHER/COACH though my studio books very quickly if you are a serious professional actor anywhere in the US and want results feel free to reach out to me and my team or look for a good Artist Developer in your area.. Words of advice so you don't become a victim of scams (1) NEVER PAY AN AGENT money to represent you (2) If freelancing use Security/Background checked ads on legitimate websites like Backstage and Daily Actor. (3) NEVER GO to a person's home.. STUDIO work should be verifable. WHEN choosing an artist developer coach (a) They should be able to show you their degrees/training (b) they are usually affiliated with universities and industry theatre groups (c) They should be able to show you professional student headshots and their websites and imdb pages JAMESRSPENCER.COM
I’m so glad you spoke on this. I always wondered how actors survive in between projects even if they are in a big film. Many expect to get offers after the success of their project but that doesn’t always happen. You are right though. Being a triple threat and learning new skills so you can not only perfect your craft, but you won’t be broke waiting until your next movie/TV project comes along. You would’ve thought the pandemic would’ve taught some of these actors that but I guess everyone can’t catch on at the same time.
@@JWill951 Thanks Yes sadly in the in the industry most universities, colleges and acting schools don't teach the first thing about the BUSINESS of acting and options that are out there. I try to empower my acting and voiceover students with understanding the business and diversifying . I'm a proud professor of University of West London and we also offer drama/vo acting and musical theatre grades and advanced diploma programs through private study and testing and this makes acting degrees affordable to students. There are sadly talented actors that spent over $60,000 on acting educations but didn't learn the first thing about web portfolios/social media presence, agents, and how to actually make a living as an actor.. Not just make a living but make a LUCRATIVE living. There is absolutely no reason for any actor with talent to be poor. Sadly artists are taught the poverty consciousness "starvin' artist" model instead of simple entrepreneurial techniques to own one's one business.
Since getting my degree in Media in 2022 and failing at getting an internship in animation due to rampant gatekeeping of the industryand the outsourcing of entry-level positions overseas, this was inevitable. The concentration and consolidation of the media and entertainment industry never should have happened. Floods, fires, crimes, migrant crisis, homeless crisis, housing crisis. When the actor and writing strike went on I made videos and posted about how that was the perfect time to decentralize from Hollywood. But there's a corrupt spirit there. Studios, firms, and companies could have been established all across the US to allow for true diverse as well as more job opportunities to counter what greedy corporations were trying to do with AI and downsizing. Indie is the way to go, and thousands of states and cities around the US are offering low interest loans and small business grants.
In the late 90's I did background design at Sony Animation in Culver City. I enjoyed my job but I didn't stay there because living in the LA area was just too crowded, too much traffic, too depressing. But back then we didn't have the advanced tech advantage of remote working like we do now... no high speed internet, I couldn't imagine having to upload large files via modem. Even so, studios wanted you working in their offices so they they could keep their eye on you.
It's interesting to hear this perspective, because Sony Animation in Culver City ended up being gutted and Sony Imageworks was created in Canada due to tax incentives. I think a lot of those people were pushed into moving. The person who did that at Sony is now doing the same thing at DreamWorks.
Me personally I still want to go and move to LA because in general. I have always wanted to move to LA yes they have great movies etc. But, your deffo telling the truth and the price and money gosh it’s expensive I live in Oxford UK. I am now in a lot of short films student films, local musical theatre, local drama and theatre. Also, been doing everything that I can to get experience and been taking acting classes and singing classes. Love this business. Won’t lie I still want to be very successful in this industry 😂. However for university I study law simple reasons opens doors to a lot of industries and plus you don’t need a dramatic arts degree in order to be in show business.
I live between Tyler Perry studios and Trillith Studios home of many Marvel films and there seems to be a lot of film/production crews moving here to Atlanta. Some very nice new developments near Trillith and it's pretty inexpensive compared to LA.
I’m a CA native. I used to enjoy watching movies. I’ve seen 2 movies in the last 5 years. I enjoyed and was entertained and inspired by one of them. I’m just not interested in the lack of good story telling and character development in the industry now. I’d rather watch old DVDs or read.
Agree with most of your takes but maybe they should bring back in person auditions. The chemistry hasn’t been chemistry-ing on a lot of projects lately 😆
This is amazing for so many reasons and makes it more accessible for creatives to make it in the entertainment world while giving more job opportunities to cities that can use more industry especially in the creative fields other then just New York or LA !! I’m from the east coast of Canada and always knew Vancouver was a film industry hub but I saw that Amazon prime is making a film studio in Toronto and that brings so much opportunity for creatives in the city and surrounding areas to move and work in the film industry!!
I am in film, but I am in Chicago. I love it, tbh. I do hate filming outside in winter when they are supposed to be spring scenes, but otherwise, it is great. There is a huge tax incentive, and they do a lot of on-location filming as it is quite affordable.
The film industry is actually very diverse in Southeast Asia. If you want to know where the next opportunities lie, come to Southeast Asia. Places like Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, and even Kuala Lumpur are where all the jobs are at. And there are no walls like in Hollywood. No need to get an agent. Just work your butt off and you will have a great chance to make it.
I knew the word was going to be “fly” at the end of your video. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Moving to LA is a thing of the past? I know of one actor who decided to make the move from NorCal to LA/SoCal for reasons known only to them recently. I myself am staying where I am. I am fine with self-taping, etc.
The pandemic has increased the outgoing traffic of independent filming in California. For those who really want to become successful end up buying their own equipment to do it. Casey neitstat & MKBHD as well as Mr Beast is a prime example. Mr Beast pushed limits that weren’t supposed to be possible & only took 4 years.. which put even some of the biggest big names to shame. He lives in North Carolina, small town Greenville. Hollywood is falling out of relevance fast.
Love this discussion! Just moved back to the States and I'm deciding where I want to go next. I loved LA but true the cost of living is astronomical and that city is full of so many distractions that can steal your focus if you're not paying attention. I'm a writer/comic and luckily I can also do that from anywhere (all I need is my wits and a pen). Also what an eye opener to see so many other places where I can be active in film. Seems like you can kinda be anywhere..really.
I feel like, sadly, Vancouver is also going LA’s direction in the sense that it’s becoming extremely expensive and there’s not enough work for everyone in film..
I feel like there are so many underlying reasons why film production and actors are moving away from California, people have been saying that eventually California will sink to the bottom of the ocean one day so maybe the higher ups know something we don’t 👀. Personally i never saw the appeal of that state it just always sounded to superficial, glamorous and expensive etc. It seems like tv and film is dying very slowly but showly due to more people waking up from the programming and lack of great writing and film production like in the past as well as new ideas and concepts. Short form content and content like RU-vid, TikTok etc. are on the wise so I’m happy our girl Mikayla is a successful RU-vidr so if she can’t get big in the film and industry eventually as she build her channel she can do her own thing, collabs etc and maybe make her own productions some day so guys make sure subscribe! Side note: I heard the rapper 50 cent is opening up a studio in Louisiana Shreveport.
Would be nice if film industry people would stop voting for the party that makes California so expensive while at the same time complaining that everything is so expensive. Its no coincidence the price of gas in Texas is less than half of what it is in California
Thank you for this video, because it’s definitely been extremely slow. You’re a couple years younger than me but I swear you are very very educated and have helped a lot for some years!
Fly. Even people outside of the entertainment industry are ditching the state. With so many people bailing on Cali, will they wise up and make changes?
Been building sets here in losangeles since 1995 and have traveled around the globe on some of the biggest movies, atlanta ,Hawaii progue the list goes on and though it has changed and slowed down bigtime the place to be and find that i know someone that can get you in is still hollywood, losangeles california...
@@JEEDUHCHRI if you were in the buisness it would, that's how everyone gets in.."I know someone that can get you in"... takes 30 days to get in the union..
I’m in the New Mexico /El Paso, TX and the film industry is growing here, but just isn’t quite there yet. I get jobs as an actor or set design but it’s not often enough. I LOVE doing this work and wish I could get more work. I would love to see more soundstage work in Las Cruces, NM, they’re working on growing the market, but also still dealing with the post COVID/SAG AFTRA/Writer’s Guild situation. 7 of the sets I’ve worked on recently were all from LA, but relocated to NM so It’s definitely getting better. I had been thinking about moving back to the LA area again, but yikes I just can’t even think about how much $$ i would have to be making to live comfortably. :/
Thank goodness. Now hopefully my city of Chicago can get in on the action. We are a very underated, unrepresented market with a bunch of resources and locations perfect for movie production here. I would love for Chicago to be the next "Hollywood".
Thank you for sharing this information. I just looked up San Franicsco's film fees and it made me remember why so many people (especially film students) go gorilla. ugh. Oh! FLY!
