Beyond the perceived glitz and glamour of producing film and television shows lies another crucial economic engine of the entertainment industry: premieres, award shows and events. These gatherings are not merely celebrations of artistic achievement and publicity, they are vital to keeping Southern California’s diverse workforce employed, small businesses operating and continuing to drive the local economy.
With so much damage, devastation and so many people displaced by the fires, there’s a debate about whether these premieres and awards shows should go on. Some people think they should be canceled, toned down or turned into fundraisers for first responders. And I understand the instinct. At Netflix, we canceled a couple of our premieres.
But these events are a source of income for hundreds of people, many of whom have been personally impacted by the fires. Pulling the events down in an effort to help those people might actually do the opposite.
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Awards shows and premieres not only give fans a chance to see and celebrate their favorite artists; they are a hugely important source of income for a vast network of professionals, from production staff and event planners to caterers, drivers and valet parkers, security, stylists, hair and make-up artists and so many more talented people who act as the backbone of our industry and the wider creative economy. These events fill hotel rooms, pack local restaurants and create demand for countless jobs, supporting a broad cross-section of Californians, particularly Angelenos.
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix
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The wildfires that are devastating large parts of Southern California have been particularly destructive in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, where so many in our industry, above and below the line, call home.
In times of such crisis, whether or not to cancel premieres, award shows and celebrations weighs heavy on the minds of all studios, creators and talent. From the outside, these events may seem frivolous but every canceled event, every delayed awards show, comes with a cost, inadvertently creating further economic hardship for a population already reeling from the challenges of COVID, prolonged strikes and now these devastating fires.
Rather than cancel or further postpone these events, we should seize the opportunity to transform them into celebrations of resilience and tributes to the heroes among us: firefighters, first responders, volunteers and the indomitable spirit of the great city of Los Angeles. Most, if not all, of the studios, networks and talent involved in these shows have been impacted by these fires and are all deeply engaged in the financial needs of their employees, the city and the people whose lives have been changed forever. The shows themselves can be a great way to put a spotlight on how to support the victims of the fires and to demonstrate that Hollywood, the epicenter of entertainment, remains open for business.
At Netflix, we strive to entertain the world, an ambition that may be more vital now than ever. In times of crisis, entertainment provides a much-needed escape, bringing joy and hope to millions of people worldwide.
Whether it is an emotional acceptance speech from your favorite artist, a big night for your favorite movie or show or a buzzworthy red carpet moment, these events stir the imagination and thrill fans. They are not only cultural milestones but also crucial economic engines for our industry and the people who call Los Angeles and its surrounding cities home. It’s one of the reasons we’re pressing ahead with our plans for the SAG Awards on Feb. 23. We’re proud to play our part, along with so many others, in supporting this remarkable community.
As the flames are battled and eventually contained, the rebuilding will begin. That will require a return to some semblance of normalcy, reaffirming in our hearts and dreams that the show must — and will — go on.
Ted Sarandos is co-CEO of Netflix.