The crisis in Hollywood is reminiscent of the French Revolution. Writers and actors are on strike, fighting for livable wages and job security against the growing influences of artificial intelligence. All while main stream production companies, like Disney and Netflix, respond with their best Marie Antoinette "Then, let them eat cake” attitude.
Production for many films and television shows of 2023 and beyond have been paused indefinitely until an agreement can be made between unionized members of the media and the corporations who depend on their labor and talents. While the writer's strike of 2007 doomed many promising TV shows and films, according to news sources, the magnitude of today's massive resistance hasn't been seen since the 1960's.
What does the strike mean for the rest of us?
As a creative revolution rages in Hollywood and other mainstream media outlets, independent creators are on the precipice of what I dare describe as a renaissance.
Creatives are no longer waiting for permission or validation from traditional platforms to pursue their talents and passion in the arts and media. With the rise of social media and other technological advances, independent artists are finding many resources and tools to help break the barriers that once made their aspirations unattainable.
The prestige and merit of large corporations and institutions are built on models of scarcity and competitive markets, but independent creators are forging a new path. Indies are cutting out the middleman and the bureaucratic processes of querying and contracts in exchange for business plans and vision boards. They are living the creative life on their own terms.
The independent life isn’t without its difficulties, namely funding and exposure.
Still, indie artists and creatives are jumping over hurdles by fostering community through collaboration. Most do not view other creatives as competitors or supporters as mindless consumers. Instead, the indie community is becoming one big family, working together to fill the void that corporate giants refuse to address. Independent creators are no longer interested in having a seat at the traditional industry’s table. They are focused on building their own.
If you are reading this post, you can make a sure and significant impact in these unprecedented times.
Keep it Konkret.
Keep it indie.
And to all my fellow indie creatives, keep going.
Your time is now.
About Montrez, Contributor
Montrez is a sci-fi and fantasy author, a freelance editor, and blogger passionate about celebrating and amplifying BIPOC and indie voices in the bookish and blerd community.
Visit her website for more on her books and editing services at https://www.authormontrez.com.
Connect with her on Instagram and join The Novel Creature Book Club on Facebook to discover your next favorite speculative fiction read.
I love how you find moments from the past to describe current events.
Nail. On. The. Head.