This Is The 1 Thing That Concerns Me Most About Hollywood
“Obviously all the issues are necessary enough to strike or else we wouldn’t have done it, but I think it’s just the complete lack of empathy. That is the most concerning thing.”
Jake Lawler – A Self-Taught Screenwriter Making Waves in Hollywood
Jake Lawler, a 24-year-old self-taught screenwriter from Charlotte, North Carolina, is making a name for himself in Hollywood. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a NCAA Division I athlete, Lawler moved to Los Angeles in August 2020. His journey into the industry has been anything but ordinary.
Lawler’s first gig came surprisingly quickly. While still in college, Lawler made the decision to graduate a year early and pursue a career in Hollywood. With the support of his coach, Mack Brown, Lawler dove headfirst into the world of screenwriting. Armed with determination and a thirst for knowledge, Lawler taught himself how to write a pilot and screenplay by watching YouTube videos.
Upon arriving in LA, Lawler met with various industry professionals, thanks to connections made by his coach. These meetings opened doors for Lawler, leading to a job as an assistant to Luke Ryan, CEO of Chaotic Good Studios. From there, Lawler’s career took off, and in May 2021, he teamed up with his manager. Just a year later, in March 2022, Lawler secured a staff writer position on Disney+’s hit show “The Crossover.”
Aside from his burgeoning screenwriting career, Lawler also dabbles in stunt work for football commercials when he’s not writing. It’s clear that Lawler’s passion and talent have propelled him forward in the industry.
Empathy and The Lack Thereof: Jake Lawler’s Concern Towards Hollywood
In light of the recent demands from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA unions, Jake Lawler has expressed his deepest concern about the lack of empathy exhibited by Hollywood executives and decision-makers. While recognizing that the issues at hand are significant enough to warrant a strike, Lawler believes that the cavalier attitude displayed by those in power is the most distressing aspect of it all.
Lawler explains that while he doesn’t expect everyone in the industry to sing “Kumbaya” together, he believes there was a time when conversations with executives could happen without animosity. The current disregard for the struggles faced by writers and actors trying to make it in the industry is disheartening. Lawler feels that the greed exhibited by these executives not only shows a lack of respect for those who have contributed to their success but also highlights their callous nature.
Lawler asserts that executives have made it clear that they want to make screenwriters and actors essentially homeless. They fail to acknowledge the difficulties faced by those trying to establish themselves in the industry. This lack of understanding, combined with their refusal to address these issues, is a major concern for Lawler.
Gen Zers: The Refusal to Accept Poor Conditions
Lawler believes that the refusal of Gen Zers to accept poor working conditions stems from their fight for a better future. With the constant chaos and anxieties that accompany today’s world, Lawler asserts that young people have had to mature quickly. This battle for better conditions in the labor force is part of that fight for the future.
Lawler emphasizes that he and many others in his generation are not looking for one-off projects. They are fighting for sustainable careers in the industry they love. The dream of success in Hollywood may seem delusional to some, but Lawler believes that without that dream and hope, the world becomes a much darker place.
The Importance of the Hollywood Strike for Future Generations
The ongoing Hollywood strike is not just about the present but also about securing a future for the industry. Lawler explains that this strike is one of the first major labor movements demanding regulations against artificial intelligence in the workplace. This fight will have far-reaching effects not only within the entertainment industry but also in other industries built on the labor of human beings.
Lawler insists that a sustainable career is at stake. The majority of the Hollywood workforce consists of working-class individuals, including writers, actors, and directors who rely on systems that have been disrupted by the rise of streaming platforms. The traditional model, where one could have a stable job for an extended period, has been replaced by a constant struggle for limited opportunities. The eradication of profit-sharing models and the rise of short-term contracts have impacted the livelihoods and futures of many in the industry.
Learning from Past Strikes: Social Media Drives Change
Lawler remarks that the current Hollywood strike differs from the 2007-08 strike due to the power of social media. With the ability to share anecdotes and truths quickly and broadly, those fighting for change can generate support and awareness more effectively. Lawler, along with other Black creators and creators of color, aims to tell stories that reflect their experiences and reshape the industry.
The ongoing Hollywood strike represents a pivotal moment in the fight for fair treatment and improved conditions in the entertainment industry. As Jake Lawler and countless others work to secure their future in Hollywood, they are also paving the way for future generations of creatives to pursue their dreams without fear.
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