The New Hollywood
As you may have noticed on your TV and streaming platforms, there is a lack of new film and TV. We get one good show and we all binge it at the same time - which is kind of collectively endearing, but then we’ve all completed that show and are back to remakes, reruns and foreign films and TV. Hollywood has been a ghost town. People in the industry are losing their homes and we’re told Hollywood is “restructuring”. Productions are way down and productions that do get the green light are opting to film in cheaper locations, like Canada, New Mexico, Atlanta or oversees. Ireland gives 40% of a productions budget back to producers in cash before they even begin filming, making Ireland the most desirable filming hub these days. I just ran into a friend who’s filming in South Africa, even though it takes place in a fictional land - because of the incredible tax credits, crews and how far the USD can stretch.
Gavin Newsom has made a commitment towards competitive tax credits that go into effect in June 2025 and other US politicians are talking about setting Tariffs on productions that leave the USA. All of that is promising, but a little late. It has one wondering if it’s too late… These trends and other disastrous moves over the last 15 years has killed Hollywood. The studios pumped millions into giant blockbusters without a plot and remakes no one asked for. The streamers rigged the game, taken over by tech bros and Wall Street. Hollywood got overrun by those who don’t care about storytelling or filmmaking. They broke the magic model that made the Hollywood dream and here we are. Personally, I’m not mad at it. I’m excited for the New Hollywood that will most certainly emerge from the ashes of what is currently burning to the ground. I want to be there for it. I want to be on the frontlines.
I first went to LA because I wanted to book a TV series. That hasn’t happened - YET. It still could, and it is my dream to explore a character over multiple seasons, but I’m no longer waiting for anyone to give me that opportunity. Most LA actors are the hardest working people you’ll ever meet. Many never even get TV auditions. They slug away for years for a co-star (one line) on a show. They are in acting class indefinitely, making short films, doing theatre, and generally working their ass off. To say Hollywood is competitive would be an understatement. When Casting Directors get 5000-8000 submissions on just one role, turning to the top 3 agents, or even the first to submit, is just logical time management. I haven’t given up on my dream, far from it. I’m just not going to wait for anyone to give it to me. Hard work and talent isn’t what Hollywood is about - now more than ever that is true. Instagram and TikTok stars, algorithms, sales, profit margins and now the threat of A.I., has everyone on edge AND frankly hasn’t led to any innovative filmmaking. A.I. is a copying machine that consumes other peoples art and spits out replica’s of something that already was. I’m not saying there’s not a place for A.I., I’m just saying, how can it possibly create something innovative if it’s stealing from the dead? All possibilities will lead us to what we’ve already seen and known. As a tool, sure, but to replace artists, good luck with that.
What I know, deep in my bones, is that making my own film and TV is the path forward. When I made De Puta Madre a Love Story and Girl Trip I’ve never been more empowered. I’ve stopped waiting for auditions. I gave myself characters I wanted to play and stories I wanted to tell and what I learned is that I will do that forever. I gave myself what I loved most about being an actor and an artist and it has lit me up and fueled me ever since. When I get hired to act or direct, it’s incredible, but there’s nothing quite like having the immersive experience of being the person who came up with concept, is behind the camera protecting and guiding that vision, in front of the camera bringing it all to life and seeing it through until the very end. It’s a wholly fulfilling enterprise and one that I believe is an actors golden ticket.
Independent film and TV is the wave of the future. The US Independent Film Audience & Landscape Study, through recent polls, discovered that audiences of all ages want indie films and don’t care where they get it. It isn’t just that Gen Z doesn’t watch TV, it’s that Gen Z wants quality storytelling. They don’t want remakes and big blockbuster films with half baked plots, they want human connection and fresh storytelling. This signals to me an opening.
Filmmaking is my greatest passion and I want to be surrounded by other actors and filmmakers who feel the same way- the place that holds the most talented and most passionate film lovers in the world is still Los Angeles. Together, let’s continue to do what we came to LA to do - make movies. Make your movies and tell your stories with your friends! Streaming platforms need “content” and audiences need to hear your voice. They are literally asking for it right now.
