How the accounting profession is helping rebuild LA

The Los Angeles entertainment industry has long relied on highly skilled freelancers and independent contractors to power its film, television and musical entertainment projects. According to a Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp report, nearly 100,000 freelance professionals and other independent contractors — more than one-third of the total workforce of one of LA's largest industries — are non-salaried, non-full-time workers. 

Even before the wildfires, employment in California's film, television and sound sector had dropped nearly 30% between 2022 and 2024, according to Otis College of Art and Design research. Researchers attributed that slump to a combination of COVID, two devastating strikes and the bursting of the streaming bubble. According to FilmLA , filming days in LA County last year were the second lowest on record. 

Gig workers in LA's entertainment industry already operate in a volatile environment where job security is almost nonexistent, and their income is heavily project dependent. The wildfires compounded an already tough situation — many lost their homes, their workplaces and the infrastructure they rely on to find gigs. Unlike full-time employees, gig economy workers don't have benefits, severance packages or unemployment safety nets to fall back on. And when production suddenly halts, there are no guarantees about when or if their work will resume. This leaves tens of thousands of workers scrambling to make ends meet. This situation has hit close to home. My brother is a choreographer/dancer who also has a talent agency. When the fires canceled a performance, it cost him (and his clients) a five-figure job. That job would have been his biggest deal yet, and it all went away so suddenly.

The fires came after the pandemic shut down movie theaters and production five years ago. Then came the 2023 writers and actors strikes, which halted projects, delayed film releases and cut into box office revenue. As a result, studios cut back spending, leading to massive layoffs while streamers reevaluated content strategies and projects were scrapped. 

Now, the wildfires have added another layer of devastation, displacing thousands of workers and destroying homes, sets and production facilities. Hollywood hasn't had a chance to catch its breath, and the ripple effect of these disruptions is massive.

Losing a home is more than just losing a roof over your head — it also means you lose stability, security, and in many cases, the tools you need to work. For actors, directors and producers, it might mean losing scripts, gear or a home office where they edit, write or produce. For below-the-line workers — crew members, sound engineers, set designers — losing your home could mean losing equipment, props or even an entire workshop. In an industry where many workers are freelancers or small business owners, rebuilding isn't as simple as filing an insurance claim. It's a financial and emotional blow that can take years to recover from, all while trying to find work in an already struggling industry.

Accounting profession steps up to help

I'm proud to report that two organizations you wouldn't normally associate with the LA entertainment industry are taking the lead in the region's disaster recovery efforts.

The National Association of Black Accountants is focused on financial recovery and stability, especially for displaced workers and for small business owners in the entertainment industry. As NABA's LA Chapter President, I can assure you we're working to provide financial literacy resources, guidance on navigating relief funds and direct support for impacted workers through our network of professionals. Whether it's helping with the tax implications of disaster relief funds, advising on business continuity plans, or connecting affected workers to financial assistance programs, NABA is committed to ensuring that those impacted aren't left behind as LA rebuilds. NABA has started a Disaster Information Hub where individuals can find disaster resources and instructional webinars.

Meanwhile, I continue my involvement with the California Society of CPAs, which has a benevolent fund. Through that fund, CalCPA is offering direct financial assistance to CPAs and finance professionals who have been impacted by the wildfires. CalCPA also provides pro bono financial consulting to gig workers, small business owners and independent contractors in entertainment — helping them understand their options, apply for relief and develop recovery strategies. The goal is to make sure people have access to financial professionals who can guide them through this tough time. Here are some Disaster Recovery resources from CalCPA. 

Entertainment is the heartbeat of LA. It's more than just an industry; it's a culture, a community and an economic powerhouse. I've worked closely with "creatives," content creators and production teams, and I've seen firsthand how much passion and dedication goes into the amazing work they do. But I've also seen how financially vulnerable many of these workers are, especially gig workers who don't have a safety net when disaster strikes. Providing financial stability to these talented, "essential" workers is a key part of rebuilding LA — not just for individuals, but for the entire industry.

10 ways you can help

1. Donate to local relief funds

• Organizations like the Entertainment Community Fund, the California Fire Foundation, and Red Cross LA provide immediate assistance to those displaced or affected.
• Consider donating directly to union-supported initiatives like SAG-AFTRA Disaster Relief Fund or the IATSE Local 600 Hardship Fund.
  

2. Support impacted businesses

• Many small studios, rental houses and creative vendors lose revenue during wildfires. Seek out and support these businesses once they reopen — from indie theaters to prop houses to local production crews.
  

3. Share resources

• Use your platform to amplify verified relief efforts, fundraisers or mutual aid lists. Especially in the entertainment industry, visibility helps drive action.
  

4. Volunteer (if you're local)

• Join community cleanup efforts, deliver meals or offer temporary housing support via platforms like Airbnb's emergency housing program.
  

5. Offer pro bono financial services

• Entertainment professionals, especially freelancers, are often unprepared for the financial chaos caused by sudden work stoppages or evacuation.
• CPAs and financial advisors can volunteer their time to help affected workers apply for emergency assistance, file insurance claims or restructure debt.
  

6. Help production companies and studios navigate business interruption insurance

• These employers may be eligible for insurance payouts due to delays or cancellations. Financial pros can provide vital guidance with organizing claims and documenting losses.
  

7. Assist nonprofits with emergency budgeting

• Many nonprofit arts organizations will be hit hard by fire-related shutdowns. Accountants can assist with cash flow forecasting, grant applications or budget adjustments to help them stay afloat.
  

8. Host financial literacy webinars for affected creatives

• Partner with guilds, unions or community centers to offer freelancers workshops about managing disaster-related disruptions, taxes and rebuilding savings.
  

9. Advocate for disaster-resilient policies

• Use your professional voice to push for better financial safety nets in the entertainment industry. These include income protection, disaster savings accounts, or revised insurance policies for independent creators.
  

10. Get involved

Consider joining the California Society of CPAs and the National Association of Black Accountants. Ask about NABA's Disaster Information Hub and CalCPA's Disaster Recovery resources.

If we want Hollywood and LA's creative scene to come back stronger, we need to support the people who make it all happen. That's where you come in. There are so many ways you can help.