Lights, Camera...Chaos?
Be honest. You uttered the words "2025 is going to be my year."
And here we are.
January in L.A. is typically the time when gym memberships spike, green juices flow, and flocks of "new year, new me's" hike up Runyon Canyon to take selfies with the Hollywood Sign as their backdrop - a symbol of a prosperous year ahead of them.
Except this year...Runyon was on fire. And that was the least of it.
Altadena. Palisades. Hughes. This January, Los Angeles experienced a series of incredibly devastating fires - some of which continue to burn.
Over 40,000 acres scorched.
More than 12,000 structures and homes destroyed.
Approximately 200,000 residents under evacuation orders or warnings.
And at least 28 lives lost.
A lot of Angelinos have experienced an unspeakable loss.
It will take time to recover and rebuild.
Thanks to the selflessness of over 7,500 firefighters and emergency personnel from all over (including California, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Canada, and Mexico)...
...Los Angeles is able to begin healing.
And L.A. is a resilient city full of resilient people.
All you need to do is look at the thousands (over 8,000, in fact) of local residents who registered as Red Cross volunteers since the fires. Over $100 million have been collected through GoFundMe campaigns. People were turned away from centers because they were at capacity for volunteer opportunities!
So, yes! We will recover and we will be stronger!
And, I must say...it does feel a bit (or quite a bit) trivial that we do just keep on working, keep on going to class, keep on going to the movies, watching award shows, buying our groceries, etc.
But, that's life. Yeah. That's all I got.
So, whether you're feeling inspired or just trying to survive this year's latest rollercoaster, let’s dive into what’s been going on and how we can keep our sanity intact moving forward.
*If you'd like to learn more about how to help those affected by the fires, click here.
The Month in Movies
Awards season is in full swing.
Wicked finally landed, and let’s just say, Elphaba is defying more than just gravity—she’s topping box offices and TikTok trends (oh wait, about that...). And can we talk about how lovely Ariana Grande was? Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez is a surprise contender! However you feel about the film, it must be said that Zoe was phenomenal and Karla's wonderful performance has made Oscar history!
The TikTok Ban (And What It Means for Us)
So, yeah...about that. It seems like actors, influencers, and aspiring content creators have been holding their collective breath in full panic awaiting the ban of TikTok.
And TikTok was banned...for like 18 hours.
But, it's back...at least or now.
So, what's going to happen? The future of TikTok is still uncertain, but countless have migrated to alternate platforms (Rednote and Bluesky, among others) either in preparation or protest...or both.
Artificial Intelligence and Art
Another major conversation piece has been artificial intelligence and what it means for the entertainment industry. We have already seen AI-generated content make its way into mainstream media (Coca-Cola released an AI generated Christmas ad - its second use of the technology for its commercials). Even films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have admitted to using AI in their process.
Besides the obvious concern over job replacement (not only for behind the scenes but also in front of the camera via the use of performers' likeness to generate "actors"), many also criticize the basic ethics of where this technology sources its data from in the first place. The speed at which AI technology is improving is, quite frankly, impressive and it will no doubtedly impact many industries besides our own.
Whatever you believe or whatever your stance on AI is...what's more than likely true is that the genie is out of the lamp and there's no putting it back in.
The question now is: how do we as independent artists harness this powerful technology to propel ourselves and our careers forward?
So...How Do We Stay Focused?
Honestly? It’s not easy. Life (and the industry) is chaotic AF right now. Hollywood hasn't even made a comeback from COVID-19 yet and we're continuing to experience a lot of uncertainty right now. But there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and we need to actively reach for it!
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we push forward:
Control What You Can
Whether it’s perfecting your self-tape setup, refining your craft, or updating your materials—focus on what’s in your hands, not what’s out of your control.
Stay Connected
The industry is unpredictable, but your network doesn't have to be. Lean on your community, check in with friends, and collaborate whenever possible.
Mind Your Mental Health
Whether it's meditation, therapy, or simply taking a day off social media, prioritizing mental wellness is key to staying in the game.
Keep Showing Up
Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, consistency is what's going to keep you in the game. It's okay to take a break, but don't lose your focus!
Looking Ahead
January might have been a whirlwind (heavy sigh), but it's only the beginning. There’s still time to refocus, realign, and set the stage for a productive year—both professionally and personally.
So take a breath, grab that overpriced oat milk latte, and remember: progress isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always worth it.
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