In the heart of the entertainment industry, optimism is often considered a virtue. But lately, it’s become something else: a smokescreen.
You’ve probably heard the same line echoed across social media, press releases, and panels—“Hollywood is back,” “Production is booming,” “We’re busier than ever!” On the surface, it sounds reassuring. But to those of us actually working in the trenches—small business owners, freelancers, tradespeople, and crew—the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.
At CineDrones, we’ve watched our peers shutter their shops, dissolve their LLCs, and pivot into completely unrelated careers just to survive. And while we continue to fight for a place in a rapidly shifting landscape, we’re growing increasingly concerned by the wave of toxic optimism being pushed by those insulated from the full weight of the industry collapse.
Behind the Curtain: What the Numbers Say
Let’s talk facts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in motion picture and sound recording industries is still down by more than 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Even with the strikes over and new contracts in place, the return to normalcy has been anything but quick or consistent. A February 2025 report from FilmLA shows permits for on-location filming in Los Angeles were down 28% year-over-year, contradicting the idea that “everything is up and running.”
Meanwhile, crew members report sitting at home for months with zero days on set. Editors, PAs, camera operators, VFX artists, and yes—drone service providers—are all seeing fewer calls, fewer contracts, and far less stability than even during the peak of the pandemic.
False Narratives Create Real Harm
It’s not just the gap between perception and reality that’s frustrating. It’s the way this cheerful denial affects those trying to hold on.
By projecting the illusion of a thriving industry, gatekeepers and major studios are unintentionally (or perhaps conveniently) undermining the very real struggles happening daily. Those who are still out of work are made to feel like they must be doing something wrong. If Hollywood is so “busy,” why haven’t the jobs come back?
This narrative also stalls much-needed reform. Relief programs, grant opportunities, and legislative support risk drying up when the public believes the crisis is over. How do you rally support for recovery when the industry is being packaged as a success story?
A Call for Honest Dialogue
We’re not saying there’s no hope. Far from it. CineDrones is built on innovation, resilience, and a love for this industry that runs deep. But real hope is grounded in truth—and the truth is, we’re not “back” yet.
The path to recovery starts with transparency. We need more honest conversations between unions, studios, vendors, and the workforce. We need leadership that acknowledges pain points instead of glossing over them. We need collaboration, not PR campaigns.
Most importantly, we need to support one another—not with platitudes, but with jobs, funding, inclusion, and action.
Hollywood will rise again. But only if we face reality head-on.
Until then, we at CineDrones will keep flying—literally and metaphorically—for the creators, businesses, and dreamers who refuse to give up.
