There’s something about the idea of “heading to Hollywood” that still feels like a rite of passage. But lately, I’ve been wondering… are we all still chasing something that’s already moved?

As many of you may know, I’m a proud Detroiter. I live in Brooklyn, NY, but I can never call myself a New Yorker without the disclaimer — but I’m from Detroit (if you know, you know).

I moved to New York in the early 2000s because the already small film industry in Detroit had almost dried up. Back then, the path felt obvious: go where the work is. For me, that meant choosing between Los Angeles and New York.

I had been to both LA and NY, so I was familiar with each, but this decision needed to be industry-based:

• Where are the most productions happening?
• Where do I have contacts?
• Where can I see myself living?

All things were equal… so it came down to a simple vibe check.

And New York won.

There’s something about this city — the subway, the neighborhoods, the culture, the energy. I made it my home, and I still love it as much as I did when I first moved here.

That said, for the past five years or so, I’ve been thinking about moving to LA. The weather being the number one reason. Also, many of my friends and colleagues have already made that move.

The only reason I’m still here? My significant other. He’s one of those “I hate the city” guys who refuses to leave — which, honestly, feels very New York. Complaining about it while secretly loving it.

Anyway… that might be TMI.

Image of airport

So, here we are in 2026. And while I still like the idea of moving to LA, I have to seriously ask:

🎬 Is it even worth it anymore?

At this stage in my life, I could be bi-coastal — splitting my time between LA and NY for networking and opportunities that still rely on face-to-face interactions.

But is that actually the smart move? Because the industry itself is shifting.

Just a couple weeks ago, there was a story about J. J. Abrams closing his LA offices, downsizing his company, and moving operations to New Jersey.

Production in New Jersey is up 45% while production in LA & NY are both down 14%.

Think about that 🧐. We’re watching a major shift in real time.

Production is moving — overseas, to different states, to new hubs — and it’s causing a serious disruption to the film industry here in the U.S.

So the question becomes:

Why is this happening — and what does it mean for independent filmmakers?

🎬 Why Production Is Leaving Traditional Hubs

There’s no single reason. It’s a mix of economics, politics, and practicality. California’s new Wealth tax structure has pushed many high-net-worth individuals and companies to relocate. The cost of shooting in LA has become a barrier for many productions (getting permits there make my head spin). States like New Jersey are offering aggressive tax incentives. Look this one up, they even including above-the-line talent. Companies like Lionsgate and Netflix and others are building studios in New Jersey.

And globally? Don’t get me started there. Countries are doing the most to lure production away from the U.S. offering: cash rebates, transferable tax credits, grants, some Countries fund productions directly and often the crew base is experience and not unionized.

Which makes shooting overseas extremely attractive. However, you’ve got to read the fine print. 99% of the time you need a local production partner and in some cases that means profit-sharing agreements. And of course, rightfully so, there are local hiring requirements. It can be a lot.

But, let’s face it: It’s not just film. Everything feels like it’s in transition.

We’re seeing downsizing across industries and not because companies aren’t making money (they are posting record profits), but because the future requires fewer people. Smaller teams, lean operations, lower overhead and smaller budgets.

And nowhere is that more deeply felt than in filmmaking. It feels like we’re stuck in one big limbo (or maybe I just feel it more because it’s my industry.)

🎬 So What Does This Mean for Us Indies?

For some of us? Nothing. We’ve always been on the fringes, doing our own thing. When the industry was booming, they weren’t checking for us anyway.

But there was something comforting about knowing it was there — like a North Star. Even if you weren’t in it, you knew it existed.

Now? That stability feels… shakier. But for those of you just starting out. Here’s what I suggest:

Start where you are.

You don’t have to chase the industry. Especially not as a micro-budget filmmaker.

With everything shifting the idea that you need to be in LA or NY to make something happen is becoming less and less true.

🎬 Make your movie where you are. Build where you are.

Instead of trying to break into an existing system that’s clearly in flux, start creating your own ecosystem — even if it’s small at first.

That means:

• shooting locally
• working with the people around you
• finding locations that make sense for your budget
• and most importantly… building an audience where you live

Because at the micro-budget level, your first audience is not the entire world. It’s your community. Niche is not a bad word. Harness yours and market to your tribe.

🎬 Build the Audience, Not Just the Film

We spend so much time focused on making the movie… but not nearly enough time thinking about who is actually going to watch it. Start simple. Host film screenings. Even free ones. Utilize community centers, small theaters, bars, churches, backyards if you have to.

Your goal is to get people in a room. Let them experience the film together – doesn’t even have to be your film. Screen other filmmakers works. Do a Q&A afterwards. Talk with the audience. Build relationships.

You’re not just showing a movie — you’re educating your audience and training them to show up for your work. That’s how you build something sustainable.

Because if you can get 20 people to show up… then 50… then 100… Now you’re not waiting for the industry to validate you. You’re creating demand. Then do the same thing only virtually and build up your social media. Now you’re building an audience that will grow with you as you grow.

So maybe the question isn’t whether Hollywood is moving.

Maybe it’s whether we’re willing to stop chasing it long enough to build something of our own.

Because if the industry is shifting anyway…why not be part of what it becomes?

Yours in filmmaking,

Nicole 🎥