Struggling Entertainment Workers Are Fleeing Hollywood — But Some Employers Balk at Showbiz Backgrounds

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As a long-time observer of the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, I find myself deeply moved by the resilience and adaptability that the industry’s veterans are demonstrating during these challenging times. The stories of Paulina Williams, Lauren Kotlen, Sidnee Lewis-Avila, Beth Kushnick, and many others, serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have made their mark in Tinseltown.

Last November, during the longest spell of unemployment she’d ever known, Paulina Williams found herself pondering what her next move would be if she had to depart from the entertainment industry. With nearly 20 years as a reality television executive producer and showrunner under her belt, on shows like “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” and “Big Brother”, she recalls her husband suggesting at some point, “Why not attempt something you’ve always dreamed of but never had the opportunity?

As a passionate admirer, I excitedly exclaimed, “Sweetheart, this is the very profession I’ve longed to pursue throughout my career!

In Hollywood, it’s traditionally been common for aspiring artists to juggle multiple jobs like waiting tables or driving for services like Uber, while they build their careers and earn a living wage in the entertainment industry. However, due to a severe and prolonged downturn in this field, an unexpected change is taking place: Established professionals with significant experience and expertise are seeking work outside of the industry as a temporary measure or long-term solution.

Over the past few years, it’s become clear that Hollywood has significantly reduced its output. From the first quarters of 2022 to 2024, a period marked by two major industry strikes and the collapse of the streaming market bubble, employment in California’s film, television, and sound sector plummeted nearly 30%. As per research from Otis College of Art and Design, this trend persists: production levels this year are still below their pre-strike peaks. In the third quarter of 2024, on-location filming in the L.A. area dropped over 36% compared to the average of the same period over the past five years. Additionally, a report by ProdPro revealed that U.S. production volume declined by 35% in the third quarter of 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 (before the strikes).

In response to the industry’s evolving landscape, some professionals are revamping their resumes from a conventional production-centric format to a corporate layout that provides concise descriptions of duties and emphasizes acquired skills. This transformation aims to convey the meaning of specific roles in entertainment to employers outside this field. As Lauren Kotlen, a former casting and development executive, humorously puts it, “When you say, ‘I work in development,’ they think you’re a fundraiser.” Kotlen, who has been freelancing since November 2023 and is exploring content development and talent-relations opportunities in marketing, advertising, and digital media companies, finds this shift necessary. Similarly, Reasons explains that if she were a showrunner, an employer might not understand the role without clarification. Since we’re project managers on some level, explains Reasons, who has taken a Project Management Professional certification course during her job search.

As a fan eagerly seeking employment outside the entertainment industry, I often ponder if my showbiz credits might boost or hinder my chances. Some employers seem cautious, attributing their apprehension to assumptions that I’m merely looking for temporary positions during economic downturns. During an interview for a Whole Foods overnight restocking role, Sidnee Lewis-Avila, a 24-year production manager from The Hills: New Beginnings, shared her experience of being questioned about potential show calls or industry revivals. She explained that employers fear she might abruptly leave due to such opportunities. Recently, Lewis-Avila worked in concessions at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, hoping to pass the probationary period and apply for studio backlot jobs later.

Elena Muslar, the head of the Career Center at The Entertainment Community Fund, has noticed that some entertainment workers respond to challenges by leaving gaps in their work history on resumes. Instead, Muslar advises participants at the ECF Career Center to customize their descriptions of past experiences according to the industry they wish to join. For example, instead of stating “I’m an actor” who may require time off, a performer could present themselves as an entrepreneur in their resume.

Transitioning from a familiar work environment can present emotional barriers for employees, regardless of their permanent departure. As Christina Blumer, executive director of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, explains, “The biggest challenge lies in people’s mindset.” The foundation supports professionals within theatrical exhibition, distribution, and vendor sectors with career counseling or retraining. People often feel a strong emotional connection to their industry, making it difficult for them to adapt when circumstances change, as they struggle to let go of this deeply ingrained identity.

Entertainment workers also possess unique advantages when job hunting. Individuals from the Hollywood industry often leverage their personal connections: “It’s all about who you know in Hollywood,” explains Kotlen. They offer a “creative skillset,” as pointed out by Muslar from ECF. Currently, demand is high for entertainment professionals in areas such as project management, digital marketing, creative direction, teaching artistry, arts administration, and other content creation roles – skills that can easily be applied to various professions.

For approximately a year, Kaitlin Saltzman, who heads scripted at Wilmer Valderrama’s production company WV Entertainment, has been engaged in an extra job that aligns with her primary role. In 2023, during periods of layoffs affecting her friends and finding herself with more spare time, Saltzman made the decision to explore a pastime and acquire new professional skills. This led her to revisit a passion she hadn’t pursued since high school: photography. Currently, Saltzman photographs clients on weekends and edits her photos once her children are asleep. She remarks that both her photography work and her executive role involve visual storytelling, stating, “I aim to capture the personalities that shine through in my photos, and I believe my background in television significantly contributes to my ability to do so.

Over the past few years, veteran makeup artist Alexis Walker (known for her work in ‘Just Go With It’ and ‘Knocked Up’) has transitioned into a role as a professional coach, specifically catering to Hollywood professionals aiming to change direction. Her work has revealed two primary topics: Individuals seeking creative ways to utilize their abilities in a fresh industry and the delicate task of juggling duties between Hollywood and cultivating an external business – a sort of balancing act. Additionally, she is the mastermind behind The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast, where she features conversations with industry experts who have ventured into non-traditional film and television realms.

In her opinion, the initial response to this slowdown was one of prolonged shock, feeling caught off guard and immobilized, which is understandable. However, she now believes we will witness an increase in proactive measures as individuals become more aware of the current situation and its implications for them.

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2024-11-13 17:25