Navigating the Treacherous Waters of Young Writers in Hollywood
Struggling Aspiring Screenwriters Face Increasing Obstacles in a Shrinking Field: "Why Is It So Difficult?"
In the tumultuous world of Hollywood, aspiring screenwriters find themselves wading through treacherous waters amidst production delays, gloomy economics, and an industry landscape that's more hostile than ever. Fortunately, a few survival tips and a sprinkling of insights can help disoriented young writers stay afloat and pave their way toward successt.
Hunker Down and Hang On
First and foremost, new writers must understand that the entertainment industry is notoriously unforgiving and competitive. With the ongoing production slowdown, mental health struggles, and sizable sacrifices, crew members brace themselves for a recovery that might never truly materialize.
If you're one of the ambitious young souls trying to break into the industry, brace yourself for a challenging journey. In 2024 alone, Brandy Hernandez, a 22-year-old USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate, submitted applications to well over 200 entertainment jobs. Her whirlwind of applications typically resulted in no response, not even a so-called "slippery slope of rejection."
The Calm Before the Storm: A Brief History
Ever since Hollywood entered the age of COVID-19, the student-led bloom of creative passion has been caught in a perfect storm of upheaval. This tempestuous time originated from dual Hollywood strikes, some of the costliest wildfires in California's history, and an industry-wide contraction.
The confluence of these factors pushed studios to shed entry-level positions, dashing young writers' hopes of gleaning a foothold in the industry. In 2023, a torrent of despair swept over graduates like Ryan Gimeson, who, in the infancy of the writers' strike, felt cursed by the harsh conditions he faced.
A Relentless March Forward
Despite the gloomy outlook, Hollywood veterans and veterans maintain a cautiously optimistic perspective. Tom Nunan, founder of Bull's Eye Entertainment and a lecturer at UCLA, summed up the past 40 years of industry experience by stating, "this is the most disruptive I've ever seen it."
In light of these challenges, some aspiring writers have taken matters into their own hands and embraced the art of self-destiny. Recently, many young creatives have been leaving California in search of greener pastures, while others pursue the independent content creation path. Writer-producer Jill Goldsmith, a long-time advocate for fair worker treatment and co-founder of #PayUpHollywood, encourages the younger generation to exercise persistence and determination as they forge ahead in their careers.
Changing Tides and the Next Chapter
The scenario may appear dire, with the yawning chasm of job scarcity swallowing up hopeful young writers. But the winds of change are upon us. With California legislators considering a hike in the state's film tax credit to up to 35%—in hope of luring productions back to the state and remaining competitive with other regions—there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Until that day, up-and-coming writers must harness their talents, resilience, and savvy, committing to a tireless quest for their big break. So, equip yourselves with the right attitude, sharpen your skills, and embrace the challenge. By holding fast to your dreams, you, too, can become a beacon of hope amidst the storm.
Sources:
- Visual Capitalist. "Hollywood's Debilitating Production Slowdown"
- LA Times. "For Hollywood crews, the mantra was 'Survive till '25.' So now what?"
- Variety. "Hollywood's Evolution from Terminal Recession to Climate Calamity"
- Los Angeles Magazine. "L.A.'s Production Woes Worsen as Soundstages go Unused at Historic Levels"
- Forbes. "Hollywood Unions Facing Uphill Battle Against Trump, AI, and the Slowdown"
- In Los Angeles, the entertainment industry, including UCLA and USC, is navigating healthcare concerns due to COVID-19.
- The wildfires in California have had a significant impact on the city's business and economic stability.
- Hollywood, known for movies and entertainment, is making transitions in response to the contraction of the industry and the tech-driven shift in television.
- With the increasing influence of technology in finance and business, job-search platforms and digital learning resources like education-and-self-development and career-development websites are becoming more crucial for young writers.
- Amidst the tough competition, the Rams football team's success serves as a beacon of hope for resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
- The legal field, especially regarding labor laws, is under scrutiny in Hollywood as unions fight for fair wages and working conditions, with organizations like #PayUpHollywood leading the charge.
- The devastating wildfires have caused a surge in demand for science and environmental policy experts to understand the effects on public health and urban development.
- As the industry evolves, personal growth and self-development are essential for young writers to stand out and succeed, with mentors like Jill Goldsmith sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities.
- As Hollywood recovers, there is a growing importance for businesses to support entertainment and creators, recognizing that movie theaters and theatrics are part of the city's identity and charm.
- The legal landscape is increasingly significant for aspiring writers, with law degrees becoming a valuable asset in navigating contracts and intellectual property rights.
- The entertainment industry in Los Angeles, from Hollywood to UCLA, plays a key role in California's economy and contributes to the state's economic development.
- With the ongoing recovery from wildfires, production delays, and strikes, writers are looking toward the future, finding inspiration in the comeback of their idols like Brandy Hernandez, who never gave up on their dreams.
