The disappearing act of the entertainment industry's middle class

Topline:

Why it matters: Those who enter Hollywood from a middle-class L.A. background don’t have a Midwestern family to run home to — and they aren’t keen to uproot themselves to move somewhere else. With a consulting gig that offers freedom but requires constant hustle, once the basics are accounted for in Los Angeles, there’s not only no money left for a retirement fund for this person who’s 43 years old, but also no vacations and relying on their parents’ Costco runs for such basics as toilet paper and paper towels.

A producer’s predicament: This development producer accepted a voluntary buyout from a major entertainment company. Now working as an independent consultant, their salary is approximately $3,000 to $4,500 a month, and they and their spouse stick to a rigid budget, allowing for only the occasional indulgence ($100 monthly to splurge on an excursion or other treats).

Keep on going: The producer says there are days so depressing, particularly when they hear of friends and colleagues being laid off, that they don’t want to get out of bed. But they choose to forge ahead anyway, developing projects, supporting creatives and building community.

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This story is published in partnership with The Ankler, a paid subscription publication about the entertainment industry.