Hollywood Has a Labor Problem
Thousands of film workers want to make good movies, and millions of viewers want to watch them. What’s stopping Hollywood?
From discussions of equal pay to #OscarsSoWhite, the past year has brought Hollywood sexism and racism into mainstream consciousness. The ACLU is currently investigating Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in hiring, and a number of high-profile actresses and directors have spoken out about everything from pay to hiring to on-set sexism.
Rampant racism and sexism in the film industry often hit ordinary workers the hardest. Like workers in many industries, film workers are finding it increasingly difficult to find and hold down stable, sustainable jobs. Digital technology means it’s easier to make a film now than at any point in the medium’s history. But it’s harder than ever to make a living in the film industry.
In Hollywood, as in many industries, the pay gap between men and women persists. Equal pay for actors making millions of dollars may not seem like a very relatable problem for most Americans. But the vast majority of people employed in the film industry are not A-list stars — they’re working craftspeople trying to make a living in a highly competitive field.