As wildfires burn in Los Angeles like a scene from a Hollywood disaster movie, the city's entertainment industry is already feeling the effects of another heavy blow that its workers can no longer handle.
Actors, crew, writers, and producers were displaced; the production of films and television shows was temporarily halted; and there are growing calls to cancel Hollywood's award season.
This comes as the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, worth $115 billion to the region's economy, is already in crisis. High costs have led to the abandonment of some production, in addition to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and recent worker protests.
“The impact of the pandemic on Hollywood has been severe. The strikes caused changes in the industry that could be long-lasting,” said Marc Malkin, senior culture and events editor of Variety, a trade magazine.
"Add the wildfires, and it's one blow after another in Hollywood."
Stars like Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, and Billy Crystal have lost their homes to fires this past week.
But this is only a small part of the problem. Thousands of homes were damaged in a city where 680,000 people work in the entertainment industry or in services that support it.
Production Affected
Several shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," "NCIS," "Hacks," and "Fallout" have halted production since the fires began.
Parts of the city where large soundstages are located, including Burbank, are also at risk but have so far survived.
Film LA, which issues permits for outdoor movie and TV shoots, warned producers in evacuation zones that their permits could be canceled. They also said that there will be a shortage of safety supervisors on the sets.
Because of the thick smoke and ash in the entire region, even the productions that plan to shoot in more distant places are also affected.
“Kung magsho-shoot ka sa labas ng Los Angeles ngayon, hindi maganda. Napakasama ng kalidad ng hangin,” ayon kay Malkin.
‘Glitz-and-Glamor’
There is no clear date for when productions will resume. Technical problems aside, the industry has to consider the sensibility of returning to normal as large parts of Los Angeles continue to burn.
This issue is particularly sensitive during Hollywood's current award season—an endless series of lavish premieres, galas, and awards ceremonies that have been put on hold.
The Critics Choice Awards were delayed, and the Los Angeles premieres for Pamela Anderson's "The Last Showgirl" and the Robbie Williams biopic "Better Man" were canceled.
Even the premiere of the hit Apple TV show "Severance" in New York did not go ahead.
"The right step that studios and streaming services are doing is canceling or postponing fancy events," said Malkin.
"When people are walking the red carpet in style while Los Angeles literally burns, it doesn't seem appropriate to hear about their fashion or funny stories on set."
Even the televised announcement of the nominees for this year's Oscars has been postponed.
"So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer in a message to members.
Actress Jean Smart from “Hacks” urged to take it even further, and cancel the entire season.
"With ALL due respect, this holiday season in Hollywood, I hope the networks seriously consider not televising the awards and donate the proceeds to the fire victims and firefighters," wrote Smart on Instagram.
While many in Hollywood are in no mood to celebrate, Malkin warned that canceling the entire season would have a major impact on hair-and-makeup artists, waiters, drivers and security staff.
"Yes, celebrities will be fine, financially," said Malkin.
“But think of the people behind every award show—gig workers who rely on their paychecks. It will be a huge blow.”
