Hollywood strikes leave California in a $5 billion bill
Hollywood strikes leave California in a $5 billion bill
The Hollywood writers’ strikes have cost California’s economy nearly $5 billion.
Both screenwriters and actors left the major studios four months ago in protest at financial compensation from streaming networks.
An entire economic system, including caterers, dry cleaners and drivers, has been affected by the strikes, according to research by the Milken Institute, which shared the data with the Financial Times.
It is the first strike of this kind in 60 years. Stars Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt boycotted the US premiere of summer blockbuster Oppenheimer, while Barbie actress Margot Robbie also supported the strikes and stars like Susan Sarandon took to the picket line.
The strikes also threatened a golden age for British television and film production.
Protest: Stars including Susan Sarandon (pictured) have taken to the picket lines
Work has dried up for crews at UK studios, including Shepperton, which is used by Netflix and owned by Pinewood.
Spending on film and television production hit a record high last year, totaling £6.27 billion.