Hollywood unions see more and more film and TV productions leaving the US
American film and television productions are increasingly shifting abroad, with domestic spending by major studios dropping significantly since 1999. Hollywood unions warn that this trend threatens domestic jobs and urge action to prevent further loss of the industry's footprint in the United States.
Major American film and television studios are increasingly moving production activities outside of the United States. Data from Variety indicates a significant shift since 1999, when the vast majority of production budgets were spent domestically. By 2024, the share of film budgets spent in the U.S. dropped from 74 percent to just 42 percent, while television production spending fell from 94 percent to 64 percent. High-profile recent projects, such as the films Barbie and Wicked, serve as prominent examples of this trend toward international filming locations.
This shift has caused concern among industry unions, including SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, and the WGA, which commissioned the research. The unions warn that without corrective measures, the U.S. risks losing further ground in the entertainment industry. They emphasize that the relocation of these productions negatively impacts domestic professionals, leading to fewer job opportunities for actors and behind-the-scenes crew members working within the United States.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
