The Reality TV Slowdown: A Hollywood Crisis in the Making
For Gretchen Kinder, reality TV was more than a job; it was a passion. Over two decades, she climbed the ranks from production assistant to executive producer, mastering the intricate logistics of unscripted shows. But the thrill she once felt has faded in recent years. In the last 18 months, Kinder has worked only four months, despite an impressive resume that includes credits on shows like “Project Runway” and “The Apprentice.”
Kinder’s experience is a microcosm of a much larger struggle gripping the entertainment industry: a widespread slowdown that has left many workers across Hollywood reeling. The aftershocks of last summer’s writers’ and actors’ strikes continue to ripple through the industry, with film and scripted TV production yet to fully rebound. Entertainment companies, already scaling back before the strikes, are now slashing budgets and cutting projects. And unscripted TV, once the reliable and cost-effective filler for television schedules, is now facing the same headwinds as scripted TV, including an oversaturation of media, corporate consolidation, and a trend of “runaway production” — the practice of moving productions outside of California to regions with lower costs.
This shift is particularly impactful for workers in reality TV, many of whom are not unionized, adding to the precarity of the industry. The slowdown is evident in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the entertainment world, where reality TV production for the second quarter of 2024 plummeted by 57% compared to the same period last year, according to FilmLA, an organization that tracks shooting days in the region.
The Rise of Runaway Production: Why Shows Are Being Made Overseas
One of the primary drivers of the Hollywood slowdown is the shift of production away from Los Angeles and the United States altogether. The reasons behind this trend are complex and multifaceted, but they boil down to a simple equation: cost-cutting. Streaming platforms and multinational companies are seeking to reduce expenses and expand their global reach, leading to a surge in reality shows being filmed abroad.
Cheaper Labor Markets
The lure of cheaper labor markets is a significant factor driving runaway production. Producers can often find skilled workers overseas willing to work for lower wages than their counterparts in Los Angeles. This cost differential can translate into significant savings on production budgets.
For example, Cliff Birbrower, a veteran reality TV editor, was offered a position on the second season of Netflix’s “The Mole,” a reality competition series originally aired on ABC and revived by Netflix. The show was produced by Eureka Productions and filmed in Australia. After an initial cut was completed in Australia, Birbrower was asked to help re-edit the episodes remotely. The show was a success, leading to a second season. However, Birbrower was informed that the editing role would be based in Australia, and that the reason for the relocation was because “those guys make half of what you make,” he was told. He declined the offer, but now says he might approach the situation differently considering the current state of the industry.
Global Expansion and Reaching New Audiences
As streaming platforms and multinational companies seek to expand their global reach, they are increasingly commissioning shows tailored to international audiences. Filming in different countries allows them to tap into local talent, stories, and culture, creating shows with global appeal.
Netflix’s decision to film a reality competition series based on the hit Korean drama “Squid Game” in the U.K. is a prime example of this trend. The streamer has also aggressively expanded with international versions of its popular dating reality show “Love Is Blind.” Peacock’s breakout hit “The Traitors,” based on a U.K. format, is filmed in Scotland. These shows demonstrate the strategic importance of targeting global audiences.
Tax Incentives
Government incentives are another factor influencing production decisions. States like Georgia and New Mexico offer generous tax credits to attract productions, making them more appealing than California, which currently provides incentives only to hour-long scripted television programs. Georgia offers tax credits of up to 30% on a range of productions, including reality TV, while New Mexico offers upwards of 25%. These incentives make it economically advantageous to film in these locations, further contributing to the exodus of productions from Los Angeles.
The Impact on Workers: A Crisis of Uncertainty and Instability
The shift in production has profound implications for workers in the reality TV industry. The job market has become increasingly competitive, forcing many workers to scramble for gigs, often at reduced rates. The once-reliable stream of work has become unpredictable, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
Struggling to Survive: Depleted Savings, Mounting Debt, and Career Uncertainty
Kinder, who is now healthy after battling breast cancer, is facing the harsh realities of the industry slowdown. With three young children to support, she has depleted her savings, maxed out her credit card, and borrowed money from family. She is now considering leaving the industry altogether, fearing that the current shifts are permanent.
The Search for New Opportunities: Relocating, Changing Careers, and Taking on Additional Jobs
Many reality TV workers are facing similar challenges. Some are considering relocating to regions with more job opportunities, while others are exploring new careers altogether. Some are even taking on additional jobs to supplement their income.
Birbrower, who has been in the industry for over three decades, recently took a job teaching English literature at a middle school. He can no longer rely on Hollywood to provide a steady income, and he recognizes that the industry he knew has transformed. Eddie Bernard, a freelance camera operator based in New York, has turned to acting to help make ends meet. These stories highlight the desperation many workers are feeling as they struggle to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry.
Low Pay, Grueling Hours, and Lack of Union Protection
Compounding these challenges is the reality of low pay and grueling working conditions. Many reality TV workers, especially those classified as producers, are not unionized. This leaves them vulnerable to fluctuating pay rates and lack of protection from exploitation. The absence of unions and the industry’s aversion to unionization exacerbates the problems facing reality TV workers.
The Future of Reality TV: Navigating Uncertainty and Seeking Sustainability
The current state of the reality TV industry is a stark reminder that the entertainment landscape is constantly evolving. Streaming platforms and multinational companies are seeking to adapt to new economic realities and global audiences. This shift has created a sense of uncertainty and instability for workers who have long relied on the industry for their livelihoods.
Seeking a Sustainable Business Model
The question remains whether streaming companies can course-correct and find a business model that supports the infrastructure of the industry. Some industry veterans believe that the shift to ad-supported subscription tiers may unlock growth and provide some relief for workers. However, there is no guarantee that these changes will be sufficient to address the problems plaguing the industry.
The Need for Change: A Call for Unionization, Fair Treatment, and a More Sustainable Approach
The challenges facing reality TV workers underscore the need for change. Calls for unionization are growing louder, with many workers advocating for better pay, working conditions, and protections. As the industry continues to grapple with these issues, it is clear that a more sustainable approach is needed to ensure the well-being of workers and the future of reality TV itself.
The Reality TV Reset: A New Era of Production?
In the face of the current turmoil, many workers are adapting and finding new ways to thrive. Katie MacIntosh, a veteran casting producer, is rebranding her company, branching out into the speaker circuit and educational courses. She is determined to create a new path for herself and is not giving up on her passion for the industry. While the future of reality TV remains uncertain, the resilience of its workers and the ongoing demand for unscripted entertainment suggest that the industry will continue to evolve and adapt. However, a fundamental shift in how the industry operates, with a focus on fair treatment, sustainable practices, and worker protection, is essential for the future of reality TV and the well-being of its workers.
