Thoughts On Canada:
Oh, Canada! What are we to do about this problem? Something really has to be done. Now wait, before you get your panties in a bunch, (For any of you Canadians out there) I'm not talking about armed invasion or even banning hockey, no, no. First off, the Canadian problem is not Canada's fault; it's our damn country's fault. We are the ones not giving producers a tax break or labor break. I know that some of our unions here in the states have bent way the hell over, not loose work to our friends in the north. That is another thing that hurt the people working in this industry but it's something the unions felt they had to do. Again, not the Canadians fault, free market, free world. Or so I hope. You can't really blame the producers, they are just trying to save a buck and I have never really known a producer to think any different. It's very nice when you bring your film in way under budget, and I'm sure shooting in Canada helps make that possible.
So there we are, looking at Uncle Sam and saying, "Hey, what are you going to do about this?" So far I haven't seen very much. It's almost like our government doesn't see it as a problem, but you go to NYC and talk to a few production people out there, or to North Carolina or even a bunch of people here in Los Angeles. They will tell you, it's hard out here for a lot of people. Then you have the SAG strike that is not helping any. The first of many future strikes. SAG is striking again, then the WGA; I believe the DGA has contracts coming up. With all this, I have heard that quite a few companies here in L.A. are going to be closing their doors. People are really hurting but not everyone of course, not the people on top. There will always be people who work no matter what the hell is going on in the business. They are very connected and usually very good at what they do or they are the people who's job doesn't count on production staying here. However, there are so many others feeling the pinch. Last year, I got hit hard for a stretch and I didn't like it at all. Now I am here in Los Angeles, don't really know a ton of folks and it is the same thing. There is just not enough work to go around, not for everyone. Sure, Los Angeles is doing great with features but the amount of work that we are loosing to Canada to far too much, too fast.
Me? I'm a New Yorker and I guess if I had to shoot anywhere, it would be there. However, here in Los Angeles is where the machine is. This is the place where you can truly get anything done. Some of the best production people, best equipment, best locations (Stages and Studios), best natural light I can go on and on but you know what I am talking about. However, that has not kept the MOWs from leaving town as well as many features, TV and commercials.
So we wait and the world moves on and I still have yet to hear anything from any source, government or otherwise that will change the coming tide. Today, it's movies of the week, then TV shows and the next thing you know there won't be anything left for people who depend on production for a living. We will cut the deals here, set it all up with foreign money and go to the new Mecca of filmmaking, Canada. Can you believe that? Start believing folks.
Honcho
