While the film and television industry is still trying to recover from the consequences of the pandemic and strikes, a new blow has fallen on Hollywood. The devastating fires currently affecting Los Angeles have forced the shutdown of several productions, destroyed celebrity residences and put the entire awards season in jeopardy.
Filming interrupted and studios threatened
The consequences are immediate for many productions. Among the series forced to put their filming on hold include Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Hacks et Fallout. Added to this is growing uncertainty as to the resumption of filmingsince certain strategic areas like Burbankwhere several major studios are located, remain under threat of flames.
Movies LAthe organization that issues outdoor filming permitswarned that many licenses would be suspended in the evacuation zones and its surroundings. In addition, the shortage of security personnel poses a serious problem, as these professionals are essential on film sets to ensure safe working conditions.
Another major complication: air quality. Thick smoke and airborne particles make filming outdoor scenes extremely difficult, even outside of Los Angeles. As pointed out Marc Malkineditor-in-chief at Variety, “filming in these conditions is simply not possible.”
An impact on major Hollywood ceremonies
In addition to television and film productions, the awards season is also in danger. THE Critics Choice Awards have already been postponed, while expected premieres of films like The Last Showgirl with Pamela Anderson and the biopic de Robbie Williams, Better Manwere canceled.
Even Apple TV+ was forced to cancel the screening of the season 2 of Severance in New York, proof that these disturbances are not limited to California. There Oscar nominations ceremonya key moment in the Hollywood calendar, has also been postponed, adding even more uncertainty to this already chaotic period.
-Some actors and actresses, like Jean Smartstar of Hackscall outrightly for cancel the ceremonies and to return the income generated to the victims of the fires as well as to the mobilized firefighters. “I hope the broadcasters make the right decision and donate the proceeds to those affected,” she expressed on Instagram.
Shadow workers in difficulty
While the cancellation of award ceremonies might seem logical in these times of crisis, it would nevertheless put thousands of independent workers of the industry. Hairdressers, makeup artists, waiters, drivers, security guards: all depend on these glitzy events to ensure their income.
“The celebrities will do well financially”, tempers Marc Malkin“but it is these workers who risk suffering the harshest consequences.” The entertainment industry is also based on invisible workforceessential to its functioning. Removing these events would mean depriving these employees of several weeks of paid work.
An uncertain future for Hollywood
As the fires continue to spread and the city struggles to regain stabilitythe question remains: when and how will the industry be able to catch its breath? Between the environmental threat and ongoing economic challenges, Hollywood must find solutions to reorganize itself without sacrificing its entire ecosystem.
If the priority is of course safety of residents and workersthis disaster highlights the fragility of the economic model of cinema and televisionlargely dependent on external factors. It will take time to assess the losses and rebuild what was destroyed, but one thing is certain: the impact of the fires will be felt long after the flames have been extinguished.
