Hollywood’s Golden Age of Streaming Comes to an End: The Story of Michael Fortin
Michael Fortin was once at the top of his game in Hollywood, soaring high above film sets as an aerial cinematographer, capturing breathtaking shots for streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. But now, he finds himself on the brink of homelessness, evicted from his home and struggling to make ends meet.
The once-booming Hollywood industry has hit a rough patch, with the aftermath of the writers’ and actors’ strikes in May 2023 causing production to fizzle out. Unemployment in the film and TV industry is at a staggering 12.5%, and many workers are struggling to find work or make ends meet.
The streaming bubble that once propelled Hollywood to new heights has burst, leaving studios scrambling to find profitability in a changing landscape. Wall Street’s influence on the industry has waned, and some productions are being lured away from California by more attractive tax incentives elsewhere.
Despite the challenges, industry experts remain hopeful that Hollywood will bounce back. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator with the Screen Actors Guild union, believes that production will ramp up soon, and that Hollywood’s unique relationship with creative talent will help drive its resurgence.
For Michael Fortin, the road ahead is uncertain. Once a staple on film sets, he now struggles to find work and faces the harsh reality of eviction. But he remains hopeful, taking each day as it comes and holding onto the belief that Hollywood, the industry that once gave him everything, will not turn its back on him for good.
