Hollywood strikes leave California with $5bn bill
The Hollywood writer strikes have hit California’s economy to the tune of nearly $5billion.
Script writers and actors both walked out of major studios in protest at the financial compensations from streaming networks four months ago.
An entire economic eco-system, including caterers, dry cleaners and drivers have been impacted by the strikes, according to research from the Milken Institute, which shared the data with the Financial Times.
It is the first strike of its kind in 60 years. Stars Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt boycotted the US premiere of summer blockbuster Oppenheimer while Barbie actress Margot Robbie also backed the strikes and stars such as Susan Sarandon have taken to the picket lines.
A golden age for British TV and film production has also been threatened by the strikes.
Protest: Stars such as Susan Sarandon (pictured) have taken to the picket lines
Work has dried up for crews at UK studios including Shepperton, which is used by Netflix and owned by Pinewood.
Spending on film and TV production hit a record high last year, reaching a total of £6.27billion.
