Ankler Agenda Hollywood Alarm as Recession Indicators Rack Up
Oct 30, 2025
The podcast dives into the alarming economic indicators plaguing Hollywood, spotlighting significant job losses at major studios and a worrisome decline in shoot days. A guest shares insights from his nationwide theater tour, revealing changing moviegoing habits and rising costs. The discussion shifts to the exodus of productions due to attractive tax incentives elsewhere. Concerns also arise over skyrocketing streaming prices leading to churn, while a new segment critiques the dwindling presence of female directors in major releases, revealing harsh industry realities.
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Hollywood's Slow-Burn Dread
- Hollywood faces a slow-burn dread as major studios and companies announce waves of layoffs.
- This signals broader structural stress after boom-bust cycles since the pandemic.
Cross-Country Theater Tour
- Matthew Frank visited 58 theaters across 20 states to assess American moviegoing in 2025.
- He found packed repertory shows but widespread price sensitivity and people cutting back on concessions.
Shoot Days Are Dropping Fast
- Film L.A. reports major declines in shoot days: TV down over 20% and pilots down ~34.5% in Q3.
- These numbers indicate weakening production demand in Los Angeles specifically.