With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
In post-strikes Hollywood, summer vacation season exposes industry pay inequities
Topline:
As the entertainment industry continues to rebound slowly in terms of production and employment opportunities, this summer vacation season exposes the growing income inequality between high-level executives and everyone else.
Why it matters: As Hollywood’s elite — and often anyone still gainfully employed — are still vacationing, left behind are those less secure in their roles or who have lost their jobs. They have either had to embrace austerity or get creative in balancing work and life. That stark disparity creates a challenging environment for people to work together or to avoid feelings of FOMO or resentment for those who have what they want.
The haves: Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin’s annual White Party in the Hamptons for the Fourth of July attracted Hollywood stars and executives alike, while others have headed off to Europe, whether that be Wimbledon in London, the Olympics in Paris, or one of the luxurious Greek islands.
The almost haves: For people who are employed, but still feel like they’re in a tenuous position, vacations have been deprioritized compared with paying for kids’ summer camps. If they are able to get away, it usually means working remotely while trying to find some time for vacation, taking advantage of relatives with access to a vacation home (and then still working remotely) or taking short trips to, say, San Diego.
The have nots: People in the most precarious state in Hollywood are looking at Starbucks runs and trips to the local park as their respite while everyone waits to see what the implications of the IATSE negotiations and pending Paramount layoffs mean for the industry.
For more ... read the full story on The Ankler.
This story is published in partnership with The Ankler, a paid subscription publication about the entertainment industry.