The film industry, once a beacon of creative opportunity and stable careers, is facing an unprecedented crisis. From Hollywood’s production decline to the vanishing “middle class” of filmmakers, professionals and aspiring creatives alike are asking: Is it still possible to make a living in film in 2025 and beyond?

The Hollywood Downturn: By the Numbers

Recent reports from major outlets like the LA Times and Film LA reveal a stark reality: filming in the greater Los Angeles area dropped by 22% in the first quarter of this year, with total shoot days down nearly 25%. This isn’t just a local issue—Hollywood’s struggles are a warning sign for the global industry.

Why Is This Happening?

1. The Streaming Algorithm Trap

The rise of streaming platforms has fundamentally changed how content is produced and consumed. Tech-driven companies like Netflix use vast amounts of viewer data to determine what gets made, leading to a glut of similar content—true crime, celebrity docs, and reality shows—at the expense of originality. While this approach maximizes short-term profits, it stifles creative risk-taking and makes it harder for new, innovative projects to get greenlit.

2. Economic Pressures and Runaway Costs

Shooting in California has become prohibitively expensive, with permits and labor costs driving productions overseas to cheaper locations like Hungary and Ireland. Even with recent tariffs aimed at protecting domestic filmmaking, the economics remain challenging for all but the biggest studios.

3. The Disappearance of the Filmmaking Middle Class

Perhaps the most devastating trend is the erosion of the “middle class” in filmmaking—those who built steady careers on commercials, network TV, and mid-budget features. As budgets shrink and studios play it safe, these jobs are vanishing, leaving only high-end blockbusters and low-budget, scrappy productions.

Adapting to the New Reality

Despite the doom and gloom, the demand for high-quality visual content is stronger than ever—just not in the traditional places. The future belongs to those who can pivot:

• High-End Specialists: Those who break into the world of big-budget productions for streamers and studios.
• Nimble Creators: Filmmakers who can deliver top-tier work with small teams and modest budgets, often for commercial clients or digital platforms.

Case Study: Thriving Outside the Middle

One professional filmmaker recounts how, after years of working on high-profile documentaries for Netflix and HBO, he shifted focus to smaller, more agile projects for commercial clients like Coinbase. Despite smaller crews and less gear, these jobs proved more profitable than many traditional gigs, demonstrating that adaptability and reputation can open new doors—even in a shrinking market.

The Path Forward: Practical Advice

• Embrace Change: The industry will not return to its old ways. Flexibility and a willingness to pivot are essential.
• Build a Reputation: High-end skills and a strong portfolio can attract both premium and commercial clients.
• Leverage New Opportunities: Online education, branded content, and direct-to-consumer platforms offer alternative paths to success.

Conclusion

The dream of professional filmmaking isn’t dead—but it has evolved. The middle ground may be disappearing, but opportunities abound for those willing to adapt, learn new skills, and straddle both the high and low ends of the market. The industry’s future belongs to the flexible, the creative, and the entrepreneurial.

Overview

Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and media mogul, is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s BET series “The Oval” and “Ruthless“. The lawsuit, filed in June 2025 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges a pattern of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation spanning several years.

Key Allegations

• Plaintiff: Derek Dixon, actor on “The Oval” and “Ruthless”.
• Defendant: Tyler Perry.
• Claims: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, hostile work environment, quid pro quo harassment, and retaliation.
• Damages Sought: $260 million in punitive damages.
• Timeline: Alleged incidents occurred from 2019 through 2024.

Details from the Lawsuit

• Dixon alleges Perry used his influence to create a coercive and sexually exploitative environment, promising career advancement in exchange for sexual favors.
• The complaint describes multiple incidents, including unwanted advances, inappropriate messages, and alleged assaults at Perry’s home and on his private island .
• Dixon claims he endured harassment out of fear for his job security and that Perry retaliated when advances were rejected, including threats to write his character off the show.
• The lawsuit includes references to text messages and specific episodes where Dixon’s character was shot, allegedly as a form of retaliation .

Perry’s Response

• Tyler Perry has denied all allegations, with his attorney calling the lawsuit a “scam” and “fabricated claims” designed to extort money.
• Perry’s legal team asserts that the claims are baseless and that they are confident the lawsuit will be dismissed.

Timeline of Key Events

Media Coverage

• Perry’s attorney has consistently denied the allegations in public statements, emphasizing their intent to fight the claims in court.

Summary

Tyler Perry is currently embroiled in a high-profile legal battle over allegations of sexual harassment and assault brought by actor Derek Dixon. The case centers on claims of abuse of power, coercion, and retaliation, with Perry strongly denying all accusations and vowing to contest the lawsuit vigorously.

Bolanle Media Press Room

The film industry stands at a crossroads in 2025, facing rapid technological changes, economic uncertainty, and evolving audience habits. While some professionals fear for the future, others see opportunity in the turbulence. Bolanle Media Press Room explores the reality behind the headlines, drawing on candid conversations with working filmmakers, directors, and crew members.

The State of the Industry

Unpredictable Work and Shrinking Budgets

Industry professionals report a landscape marked by inconsistency1. Many crew members and directors experience long periods without work, followed by intense bursts of activity. Budgets have tightened, leading to more unpaid hours and increased pressure on freelancers and production companies.

• Survey data: 78% of UK-based long-form directors say their income is unstable, working on average just 27 weeks per year. Over half report working 60-hour weeks or more, often with no corresponding increase in pay.
• Freelancer experience: The pandemic boom led to a surplus of crew, but as demand normalized, many found themselves surplus to requirements, with work becoming “consistently inconsistent”.

The Impact of Technology and Social Media

The rise of AI and social media has fundamentally changed how films and advertising content are produced and consumed. Brands now often opt for influencer-driven campaigns over traditional big-budget productions, shifting opportunities and budgets away from established production pipelines.

• Social media as a storefront: Many filmmakers report that their biggest projects now come through platforms like Instagram, with viral content leading to unexpected job offers.
• Changing advertising: Companies are increasingly turning to user-generated content and influencer marketing, which requires fewer resources and less traditional crew.

Adaptation and Opportunity

Diversification is Key

Those thriving in the current climate are often those who have diversified their skills and roles1. The advice to “niche down” is less relevant, as industry professionals find success by working across multiple sectors and job functions.

• Multi-hyphenate professionals: Many successful filmmakers now direct, produce, edit, and even run their own production companies, adapting to whatever opportunities arise.
• Continuous outreach: Early-career professionals spend significant time each day networking and reaching out to potential clients, often landing work through persistence and visibility.

The Role of Passion and Resilience

Despite the challenges, many in the industry remain optimistic. Passion for storytelling and adaptability are cited as crucial for survival and success.

• Emotional resilience: The unpredictability of freelance work is emotionally taxing, but professionals stress the importance of staying flexible and remembering why they entered the industry in the first place.
• No single path: There is no longer a guaranteed progression or perfect plan. The industry rewards those who are willing to evolve, learn new tools, and build strong relationships.

Conclusion

The film industry is not dying—it is transforming. While shrinking budgets, new technologies, and changing workflows create discomfort and unpredictability, they also bring new opportunities for those willing to adapt. The need for compelling stories and passionate storytellers remains unchanged, ensuring a future for those who embrace change and stay curious.

For more insights and interviews with industry professionals, follow Bolanle Media Press Room for the latest updates on the evolving world of filmmaking.