Actors Nationwide Scrambling for Roles as LA TV and Film Production Plummets Below Strike Levels in Q3

As aspiring actors look to build their careers, recent news from Los Angeles highlights just how tough the industry has become, not only in the city known as the heart of film and television but nationwide. According to FilmLA, production in the Greater Los Angeles area fell 5% during the third quarter of 2024, totaling 5,048 shoot days — marking the weakest quarter of the year. This represents a significant 36.4% drop from its five-year average, a decline that’s hitting actors, crews, and production teams hard, especially in the unscripted reality TV sector, which saw a staggering 56% decrease.

For many actors just starting out or trying to gain a foothold in the industry, these numbers are concerning. The industry’s contraction means fewer jobs, more competition, and a lot more uncertainty. And while many had hoped the industry would bounce back by fall, FilmLA president Paul Audley put it bluntly: “We saw a pullback and loss of forward momentum heading into the fall season that will make or break the year.” For actors trying to book roles, that slowdown means fewer opportunities to even audition, let alone get cast.

What Does This Mean for Actors Nationwide?

Actors all across the country feel the effects of this slowdown. Los Angeles is often seen as the hub for major productions, but the trends impacting L.A. don’t stay confined to one city. Studios everywhere are cutting costs, delaying projects, and becoming more risk-averse, especially when it comes to greenlighting new shows. As production decreases, the competition for roles grows even more fierce. Hundreds of actors, from seasoned professionals to fresh faces, are often vying for the same job, making it harder for newcomers to get noticed.

For aspiring actors with no experience or a thin resume, the challenge is even steeper. As the industry contracts, casting directors and producers may be more inclined to play it safe by hiring familiar faces or those with established reputations. The result is a trickle-down effect that limits the ability of new actors to get their big break, especially in unscripted and smaller productions.

The Struggle in Reality TV and Unscripted Content

One area that has taken a particularly hard hit is reality TV and unscripted programming. Production in this sector plummeted by 56.3% during the third quarter, which is a major blow for actors, especially newer ones, who often find their first opportunities in unscripted formats. Reality TV has traditionally been an entry point for fresh talent, but with the sharp drop in production days (from 5,311 in Q3 2023 to 5,048 in Q3 2024), those opportunities are quickly disappearing.

This downturn, according to research from Ampere Analysis, reflects the lowest series orders for unscripted programming since 2019. With fewer reality TV shows being produced, actors who might have sought out this genre as a way to break into the industry now find themselves with fewer avenues to explore.

The Competition is Fiercer Than Ever

With fewer productions, the competition for available roles has skyrocketed. This is particularly tough for aspiring actors, who are now finding that hundreds of people may be applying for the same role. This intense competition isn’t just happening in L.A.; it’s happening across the country. As jobs dry up and studios tighten their budgets, everyone, from background actors to lead performers, is fighting for a limited number of gigs.

To add to the complexity, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry is raising questions about future job security. While AI could potentially streamline certain aspects of production, many fear that it might also limit the number of roles available for actors as the technology becomes more integrated into the creative process. For aspiring actors, this could mean even fewer opportunities to land traditional acting roles.

Some Hope in Scripted TV and Feature Films

Despite the downturn in overall production, there is a sliver of good news. Scripted television, though not immune to the strike-related shutdowns of the previous year, still logged 758 shoot days in the third quarter. Feature film production even saw a 26.6% increase to 476 shoot days, offering some relief to cast and crew. Although this uptick brings hope, it is important to note that the growth in these categories is still well below five-year averages. For actors trying to break into these more competitive areas, it’s still a tough battle.

Looking Ahead: Tax Incentives and Market Shifts

To mitigate the decline in production, California has been actively promoting its Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which offers tax breaks to productions that film in the state. This incentive aims to keep productions in L.A., but the competition from other locations, such as New York and Georgia, is fierce. These areas have introduced their own tax incentive programs, pulling more productions away from Los Angeles and spreading the opportunities across the globe.

This shift could provide actors in other parts of the country with new opportunities as productions begin filming in alternative locations. However, the challenge remains that fewer productions overall still mean fewer jobs for actors everywhere.

Conclusion: A Tough Landscape for Aspiring Actors

The current state of the film and TV industry is challenging, particularly for aspiring actors. With production falling and competition increasing, many are finding it harder than ever to get their start in an industry that has been historically difficult to break into. As studios become more cautious about new projects and technology continues to evolve, aspiring actors will need to stay resilient, constantly honing their craft and seeking out every opportunity, no matter how small.

For those committed to making it in the entertainment world, perseverance, creativity, and flexibility will be key. Despite the tough times, there will always be opportunities for talent to shine — but the journey is more competitive than ever.

Our advice - Stay ready so you don’t have get ready. New productions may be coming to a city near you!