Hollywood’s filmmaking industry has been severely impacted by the devastating wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area, but its effects on production have been surprisingly minimal. Despite thousands of homes being destroyed and hundreds of thousands under evacuation orders, many studios remain operational, with some even resuming work on TV shows.
Disney, which owns several popular franchises, was severely affected, with 64 employees losing their homes and more evacuated. However, the company’s relief efforts are underway, with CEO Bob Iger overseeing a $15 million community services fund and arranging for employee housing assistance.
The wildfires have also highlighted the shift in movie production, with most films now being shot in other states or countries with tax incentives. Only two major studios were affected by the fires, with Disney’s “Avatar” movie briefly pausing production.
Industry experts are weighing in on the impact of the fires, with some advocating for a quick return to business as usual and others calling for a more empathetic approach. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended its nominee voting period until the end of the week, despite the uncertainty surrounding the Oscars ceremony.
As Hollywood navigates this challenging time, it is clear that its resilience will be tested once again.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/business/la-wildfires-hollywood-film-production.html