Hollywood’s Music Industry on the Brink: A Call to Save Film and TV scoring
The heart of Hollywood’s storytelling—its music—is in peril. Movie and television scoring work, the backbone of emotional resonance in film, is facing potential devastation unless immediate action is taken. This stark warning comes from Peter Rotter, a seasoned music and orchestra contractor whose credits include blockbusters like Avatar, frozen, and Deadpool. In an open letter to the industry, Rotter has sounded the alarm, urging the community to rally and save the livelihoods of those who bring cinematic magic to life.
“I need to wave the flag of deep concern as I see the infrastructure of the L.A. recording industry about to fail,” Rotter wrote. “It’s only a matter of time until this happens, unless we as a community stand together and support the livelihoods of the people of this city.”
The crisis comes as Hollywood grapples with a cascade of challenges. From the lingering impacts of COVID-19 to the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes,the industry has been battered on multiple fronts. add to this the exodus of production from California, lured by lucrative tax incentives elsewhere, and the picture grows even bleaker.
One frequently enough-overlooked aspect of this decline is the migration of postproduction work to global hubs. Los Angeles, once the undisputed center of filmmaking, is losing its grip on sound, visual effects, and now, music. Rotter, who has assembled orchestras for over a thousand productions, including recent hits like Moana 2 and Transformers One, warns that the loss of musicians and scoring stages could be the proverbial canary in the coal mine.
In the past, the sounds of orchestras filled studio lots across Los Angeles. Today, only Fox, Sony, and Warner Bros.maintain scoring stages, and even these sit empty much of the time. The decline has been gradual but has accelerated in the last decade, driven by rising costs, union pressures, and the allure of cheaper labor overseas.
Rotter’s call to action is not just about preserving jobs but safeguarding the soul of Hollywood. Music is the invisible force that transforms scenes into emotions,making audiences laugh,cry,and cheer. Without it, the magic of cinema risks fading away.
| Key Challenges Facing Hollywood’s Music Industry |
|——————————————————|
| Decline of scoring stages in Los Angeles |
| Migration of postproduction work overseas |
| Rising costs and union pressures |
| Loss of talent and infrastructure |
The time to act is now. As Rotter’s letter circulates among Hollywood professionals, the question remains: Will the industry come together to save its music, or will the final note of this chapter be one of silence?
For more insights into the state of Hollywood’s music industry, explore the full story here.
The Crisis Facing Los Angeles’ Music Industry: A Call to Action
Table of Contents
- The Crisis Facing Los Angeles’ Music Industry: A Call to Action
-
- A Community in Crisis
- The Threat to Postproduction
- A Call to Action
- Key Challenges Facing L.A.’s Music Industry
- The path Forward
- The Challenges Ahead
- A Path Forward
- Key Takeaways
- A call to Action
- The Silence of L.A.’s Stages
- A Community in Peril
- The Role of Music in Cinema
- A Call for Unity
- The Path Forward
- A Final Note
-
Los Angeles,long considered the heart of the global entertainment industry,is facing an existential threat to its music and postproduction sectors. from composers and musicians to stage crews and music executives, the community is reeling from a perfect storm of challenges, including the lingering effects of COVID-19, industry strikes, and the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the region.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to industry leaders, Ben Rotter, an Academy Award-winning executive producer, sounded the alarm on the dire state of L.A.’s music infrastructure. “I need to wave the flag of deep concern as I see the infrastructure of the L.A. recording industry about to fail,” Rotter wrote. “It’s only a matter of time until this happens, unless we as a community stand together.”
A Community in Crisis
The challenges facing L.A.’s music industry are multifaceted. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to live performances and recording sessions,while subsequent strikes further disrupted workflows. Compounding these issues,many productions have moved out of Los Angeles,lured by tax incentives and filming locations in other states or countries.“Our stages are and have been sitting empty most of the time, with their stage crews having to get part-time jobs to supplement their incomes as many of the stages are only working 3-7 days a month,” Rotter explained. “The musicians are not able to make ends meet as the amount of scoring here in L.A. has fallen off the cliff.”
The recent wildfires have only deepened the crisis, causing notable losses for many in the community. “When one hurts, we all hurt … and we are all hurting deeply for our collective family,” Rotter wrote.
The Threat to Postproduction
The exodus of postproduction work from Los Angeles is especially alarming.“Postproduction is leaving at an alarming rate, and the loss of musicians is only the begining of it,” said one postproduction executive. This shift not only impacts musicians but also engineers, music editors, orchestrators, and countless other professionals who rely on the industry for their livelihoods.
Rotter, who won an Academy Award for producing the Los Angeles-focused short film The Last Repair Shop, is calling for urgent action to revive the city’s music and postproduction sectors. “I had to write this to say I see what is happening, and if we don’t step up and revive what we have here in L.A., we will wake up one day and it’s not going to be here,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
A Call to Action
Rotter’s letter is a rallying cry for industry leaders, politicians, and stakeholders to come together and support the L.A. music community. He emphasizes the need for unity,regardless of union disputes,tax incentives,or production locations.
“Regardless of union animosity, regardless of your company not being a signatory to the AFM, regardless of lack of tax credits or incentives, regardless of productions being shot out of the jurisdiction of the U.S. or Canada, regardless of whatever might cause you to pause and not consider working here,” Rotter urged.
Key Challenges Facing L.A.’s Music Industry
| Challenge | Impact |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————|
| COVID-19 Pandemic | Disrupted live performances and recording sessions. |
| Industry Strikes | Further delayed productions and workflows. |
| Production Relocation | Work moved to other states or countries due to tax incentives.|
| Wildfires | Caused significant losses for individuals and businesses. |
| Postproduction Exodus | Threatens the livelihoods of musicians, engineers, and other professionals. |
The path Forward
Rotter’s plea underscores the urgency of the situation. Without immediate action, the infrastructure of L.A.’s recording industry could collapse, leaving thousands of professionals without work and eroding the city’s status as a global entertainment hub.
“We are a small intertwined family of professionals,” Rotter wrote. “And with that in mind, I needed to reach out and share my heart with you all.”
As the industry grapples with these challenges, the question remains: Will Los Angeles’ music community receive the support it needs to survive and thrive? The answer may determine the future of one of the city’s most iconic industries.
For more insights into the state of the entertainment industry, visit The Hollywood Reporter.Reviving L.A.’s Music Industry: A Call for Unity and Action
The music industry in Los Angeles, once a vibrant heartbeat of creativity, now stands at a crossroads. As Peter, a seasoned industry professional, eloquently puts it, “Our town has become silent, still and devoid of music making.” This stark reality underscores the urgent need for collective action to revive an art form that once resonated powerfully from the city’s historic stages.
Peter’s heartfelt plea echoes Abraham Lincoln’s timeless words: “I plead to the better angels of our nature.” He urges stakeholders to come together to sustain the industry before it collapses entirely.“We are all aware that we need to work together to make this a better workplace for everyone,” he emphasizes, highlighting the necessity of open dialog and collaboration.
The Challenges Ahead
The current landscape is fraught with challenges. Union restrictions, particularly those tied to the AFM (American Federation of Musicians) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild), have created barriers that discourage musicians and artists from working in L.A. Peter stresses the importance of making these restrictions “less restrictive so that you WANT to work here.” Additionally,securing tax credits in los Angeles is a critical step toward revitalizing the industry.
Despite these hurdles, there is hope. Peter notes that negotiations are underway, and an agreement for both AFM and SAG is in place for the next two-plus years. “These things MUST take place,and they will,” he asserts,underscoring the power of dialogue and persistence.
A Path Forward
Peter’s career has been built on “strong relationships built on trust,care,and integrity.” He calls on his colleagues to consider what can be done now to “infuse the blood of our music industry with life.” This includes fostering collaboration between unions, musicians, and industry leaders.
For those seeking guidance,Peter and his colleague jasper are ready to act as conduits. “I’m always available should anyone want to discuss what might be possible,” he offers, extending an open invitation to explore actionable steps forward.
Key Takeaways
| Focus Area | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Union Restrictions | Need to be less restrictive to attract talent.|
| Tax Credits | Essential for incentivizing work in L.A. |
| collaboration | Open dialogue between unions, musicians, and industry leaders is critical. |
| Current Agreements | AFM and SAG agreements in place for the next two-plus years. |
A call to Action
The time to act is now.Peter’s message is clear: “Let us collectively revive the art form that was once heard so loudly before.” By working together, the industry can overcome its challenges and reclaim its place as a cultural powerhouse.
Peter concludes with gratitude: “Thank you for reading, and thank you for your consideration.” His words are a reminder that the future of L.A.’s music industry lies in the hands of those who care deeply about its survival.With respect and hope, Peter’s call to action is a beacon for all who believe in the transformative power of music. Let’s answer it.
The sentiments of many in the industry who are witnessing the gradual erosion of Los Angeles’ music and postproduction sectors. “The orchestra halls, scoring stages, and recording studios that once buzzed with activity now stand eerily quiet,” Peter lamented. “The creativity that once defined L.A. is at risk of being lost forever if we don’t act now.”
The Silence of L.A.’s Stages
Los Angeles has long been synonymous with Hollywood magic, yet the city’s music industry is facing an unprecedented crisis. The decline in scoring stages, the migration of postproduction work overseas, and rising costs driven by union pressures have all contributed to the silence that now envelops the city’s once-thriving music scene.
“the loss of talent and infrastructure is palpable,” Peter explained. “Musicians, composers, engineers—they’re all struggling to make ends meet. The very people who brought life to the films we love are now fighting for survival.”
A Community in Peril
The challenges are manifold. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live performances and recording sessions, while industry strikes and the devastating wildfires further compounded the crisis. Many productions have relocated to other states or countries, lured by tax incentives and lower costs, leaving L.A.’s music professionals in the lurch.
“Our stages are empty, our musicians are idle, and our community is hurting,” Peter said. “The people who dedicated their lives to creating the soundtracks of our lives are now facing an uncertain future.”
The Role of Music in Cinema
Music is the soul of cinema. It transforms scenes into emotions, making audiences laugh, cry, and cheer. Without it, the magic of cinema risks fading away. Yet, as the infrastructure of L.A.’s music industry crumbles, the art form that once defined Hollywood is in danger of being lost.
“Music is not just a background element—it’s a character in the story,” Peter emphasized. “It’s the heartbeat of a film, the thread that weaves together the narrative. To lose it would be to lose the essence of storytelling itself.”
A Call for Unity
The time to act is now. Peter’s call to action is a reminder that the industry must come together to save the music that has defined Hollywood for decades. “This is not just about protecting jobs—it’s about preserving an art form,” he said. “We need to stand united, regardless of union disputes or production locations, to ensure that the music continues to play.”
The Path Forward
To revive L.A.’s music industry, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This includes financial support for musicians and composers, incentives to keep productions in Los Angeles, and investments in infrastructure to modernize scoring stages and recording studios.
“We need to bring the music back to L.A.,” Peter urged. “We need to rebuild the community that once made this city the heart of the entertainment industry. The future of cinema depends on it.”
A Final Note
As the industry grapples with these challenges, the question remains: Will Hollywood come together to save its music, or will the final note of this chapter be one of silence? The answer lies in the hands of industry leaders, politicians, and stakeholders who have the power to make a difference.
“Let’s not let the music die,” Peter concluded. “Let’s not let the magic of cinema fade away. The time to act is now.”
For more insights into the state of Hollywood’s music industry,explore the full story here.
