Strikes Stall LA TV, But Indie Films Inch Forward

In recent weeks, with ongoing strikes by actors and writers, FilmLA reports public sentiment saying that there are ‘no scripted TV series’ with permits to shoot on location in and around Los Angeles. During this time in a normal year, there would normally be numerous scripted TV projects filming on location in the region. This week was no exception to the scarcity of scripted TV shows, however, FilmLA - the city and county film permit office - has provided a ray of hope to distressed film crews.

Four feature film projects currently possess active permits to film on-location in the area, and two of those are listed on SAG-AFTRA’s roster of ‘truly independent’ films that have penned its interim agreements. These agreements allow producers to film during the strikes so long as they agree to comply with whatever terms and conditions SAG-AFTRA eventually arrives at with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

While the titles of projects receiving filming permits are undisclosed by FilmLA, the fact that two feature films are filming under interim agreements is definite evidence that work for film cast and crew members in Los Angeles hasn't come to a grinding halt. This return to filming does more than simply create job opportunities for cast and crew, it bridges the gap in contributions to their union’s pension and health plans, which have been hemorrhaging millions of dollars in employer contributions due to the strikes.

The WGA Pension Plan’s latest funding notice revealed that before the strikes took place, its funding level was in the relatively healthy "Green Zone." Moreover, the SAG-Producers Pension Plan remains robust despite a dip in employer contributions due to the Covid shutdown in 2020. Even the DGA’s pension plan has continually scored higher funding levels, having reached 98% back in 2017.

However, dark clouds loom over the Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan, covering members of IATSE and other below-the-line workers, as it has recently struggled with adequate funding. The impacts of the ongoing strikes on the funding levels of Hollywood’s pension plans remain ambiguous, though films and TV shows marked for production under SAG-AFTRA’s interim agreements may staunch the loss of revenue.

Ironically, it appears the action isn't in Hollywood right now, but outside of it. Many films and over a dozen scripted TV shows have signed SAG-AFTRA’s interim agreements, but a majority of these are filming outside of Los Angeles, with some even venturing beyond the country's borders.

Now, with the opening credits out of the way, let's review the scene.

Remember that old saying “You can't keep a good man down?” In Hollywood’s case, perhaps it should be something along the lines of, "You can't keep a good industry grounded.” And isn't that what we're witnessing? Even in the bleak landscape of industrial strikes, Hollywood, with its undying attitude of "the show must go on," is proving just that - albeit from off-stage.

Amid strikes and a pandemic, the film industry is finding a way to plow ahead. The curtains may be down on scripted TV for now, but the stage lights are shifting to the independent film scene. It's these interim agreement films that are not only keeping the Hollywood spirit alive but doing their part to keep the lifeblood of the industry - the cast, crew, and their unions - from flatlining.

It's also interesting to see the current scene morphing. While Los Angeles has long been the epicenter of the film industry, we're witnessing an expansion of stardom real estate. Yes, folks, Hollywood is no longer a place; it's a state of mind that pervades borders.

Finally, let's spare a moment of silence for the unsung heroes of this saga - the much-debated interim agreements. Not quite the glamorous part, but slowly becoming the essential lifeline both to the talent on strike and the union pension plans. Like a blockbuster plot twist, these agreements have brought this industry drama some much-needed hope.

So, as we adjourn and the popcorn crumbles, think on this: Change is afoot in Tinseltown. And though the path may be fraught with strikes, international competition, and financial uncertainties, one thing remains constant - the show, however and wherever, must go on.