After the writers' and actors' strike ended last year, people in the entertainment industry were gearing up to return to work, but instead of a rocket-like boom, production has been slow to resume, job opportunities are few and far between, and the mental health of workers is taking a toll.
Matthew Kwan, an active actor who has appeared in shows such as “The Blacklist,” “NCIS:LA,” and “Dynasty,” experienced this firsthand.
For the record:
3:21pm, June 13, 2024 A previous version of this article misspelled actor Matthew Kwaun's name.
As he celebrates the 20th year of his career in 2022, Quern is content with the regular acting opportunities he gets and his successful side hustle helping actors film their audition tapes.
Over the next year, the quality and frequency of auditions Kwan received for roles gradually declined, eventually hitting rock bottom, and the number of clients he helped self-tape also plummeted.
Kwan has struggled with depression for much of his life, but the feelings were exacerbated during the strike as he was unable to perform on production sets without others nearby and had to ask for financial assistance to buy food for the first time.
He said the reality of his situation was “really hard to accept” – that for reasons beyond his control, his years of experience and impressive resume alone didn't land him the role.
“It's very hard to find an industry that can match the unpredictability that comes with the entertainment industry,” said clinical psychologist Michael Wetter.
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Wetter said that while rejection is common and periods of unemployment between projects are not uncommon, there have always been opportunities in the film and TV industry that he could pursue. That is not the case now.
The uncertainty has weighed heavily on Amber Haley, whose stagehands include “Insecure,” “Barry” and “Modern Family,” who was able to interview for just three shows in the past 15 months and wasn't hired by all of them.
With projects gone and her team members unable to meet their basic needs, “it exhausts me,” she told The Times. Haley said she feels responsible for finding work for her team so they don't lose their homes, cars or livelihoods.
The Times spoke to set builders, lighting crews, script supervisors and grips who described these dark times when they can't work.
Some have been unable to find production work covered under union contracts and are approaching retirement age, so they worry their pensions will be cut if they don't work for years. They also risk losing their health care benefits because they haven't worked enough in recent years to qualify under union rules.
Their union, the International Federation of Stage Employees, is negotiating a new contract with the Motion Picture and Television Producers Association, another factor in the slowdown in production.
Many are considering leaving the industry or have already left, while others are juggling second jobs and waiting for their productions to finally take off, but this has reached a breaking point.
(Myung J. Chung/Los Angeles Times)
How is insecurity affecting workers?
“It really takes a toll on individuals not knowing if they'll actually be able to pursue the things they've sacrificed to pursue and facing the consequences of this bleak assumption about their future,” Wetter said.
Jennifer Jorge, director of community outreach at the Motion Picture and Television Fund, said the effects can manifest as anxiety and depression, as well as physical effects such as stomach aches, headaches, lack of sleep and unhealthy eating habits.
Jorge said it's natural to feel sad, hopeless and overwhelmed given all the obstacles the community has faced.
“I think as a physician, where I start to get concerned is when we start talking about how serious these things are,” she said.
Unfortunately, some people lose relationships, break sobriety, get sick or lose their homes because of the stress of being unemployed and not being able to practice their skills, Jorge said.
Luckily, the Motion Picture and Television Fund and other industry-focused organizations can help connect you to local resources like social services, national helplines, and county health departments.
There are ways to proactively look after your mental health and know when it's time to seek help.
How to address these challenges
Mental health experts shared tips on how to keep your mental health in check and prevent new problems.
Take time for self-reflection. If you are going through a difficult time, ask yourself if you are eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and making time to connect with friends and family. It is also important to remember if other people are worried about you.
Develop other creative outlets. If you can't hone your craft, find another way to keep your creativity flowing. And look for opportunities to create with others. This helps to foster and grow your community.
Keep an open mind. If you want to be a film actor, ask yourself, “How can I develop my acting skills in a creative way?” Maybe you could do a play, start a YouTube channel, join or start a theatre company, or try a podcast.
Build on small wins. Set achievable daily goals that can boost your mental health, like taking a walk outside or calling a friend. These goals can also be designed to support your career, for example if a daily call helps you network with industry contacts and mentors.
Recognize when self-help isn't enough. A telltale sign is when your emotions get in the way of your basic abilities. If you're having trouble getting out of bed, not eating regularly, or feeling unwell, it may be time to talk to social services, a counselor, or a therapist.
When it comes to therapy, be honest about what you can invest in. Ways to find mental health services include checking your insurance company's provider network or mental health program, looking for therapists in online directories, and contacting your county mental health department for affordable options. Explore everything you can afford, but don't settle for something that doesn't work for you. Make sure your mental health provider is right for you.
Finding the right therapist
If you search online directories of therapists, it helps to understand what the licenses listed there mean. Practitioners who are registered psychologists with a doctorate may be able to test and assess for cognitive problems, ADHD, or personality disorders.
Some therapists have master's degrees and various certifications, such as LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), etc. Each will typically state their area of ​​expertise, such as trauma, anxiety, couples therapy, depression, cultural identity, etc.
You can verify that a therapist is licensed, meaning they have at least a certain number of hours of clinical experience, by checking the California Department of Consumer Affairs' searchable database. The database can also tell you if a therapist's license has been suspended or if the therapist has been subject to disciplinary action.
Finding a qualified mental health professional who is a good fit for your needs may take some trial and error, including multiple consultations with different therapists. Don't stick with the first therapist you meet.
Wetter said he thinks it would be a mistake to deny how difficult times are for workers as the entertainment industry transforms.
He would characterize this as a transition, not an end. In other words, the public will always need an entertainment industry.
“Don't give up or despair, but take care of yourself,” Wetter said. When your mental and emotional health suffers, so does your creativity, she added.
Mental Health Resources
National and statewide mental health resources you can access online or by phone include:
The Motion Picture and Television Fund will help you screen for mental health resources for you and your family. They will also provide you with information on how to apply for state and federal benefits. Adults under 65 can call the reception number at (323) 634-3888. Adults over 65 can call (323) 634-3866. The Will Rogers Film Pioneers Fund provides financial assistance and support counseling to people who work for theatrical exhibitors and distributors and their vendors. To learn more and request an application for financial assistance, call (877) 756-9455, extension 2390, or fill out our online contact form. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation provides emergency financial assistance and disaster relief to eligible members. Because the Fund is receiving a high volume of emergency assistance applications, we ask that you read all of the eligibility requirements before applying online. If you have any questions, please contact us at assistance@sagaftra.foundation. The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly the Actors Fund) offers a variety of social service programs, including counseling, support groups, and financial assistance in emergencies. To view offerings, create an account on the fund's website. For assistance specific to the Los Angeles County area, visit the County's Department of Mental Health website. For immediate resources and support, call the County's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 access to trained crisis workers at local 988 Lifeline Network Crisis Centers. Accessible throughout the United States by dialing the three-digit dialing code 988. SAMHSA's National Helpline Treatment Referral and Information Service (in English and Spanish) is available to individuals and families struggling with mental and substance use disorders. The 24/7 call center can be accessed by dialing (800) 662-4357. The California Peer Run Warm Line is a non-emergency resource available 24/7 to anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support. By calling (855) 845-7415, you can discuss concerns or issues related to relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances, and alcohol or drug use.
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