Concerns are mounting over the state of Hollywood, with comedian David Spade publicly criticizing California’s leadership for what he describes as the industry’s decline. Spade, 61, voiced his concerns during a recent episode of his podcast, “Fly on the Wall,” co-hosted with Dana Carvey.
Hollywood’s Struggles
Spade stated, “The Hollywood industry is dying,” and expressed a desire to identify the cause of the downturn. He recalled a time when the CBS Radford lot, where he worked on “Just Shoot Me,” was a thriving hub alongside productions like “Seinfeld.” He noted the recent bankruptcy of that same lot, attributing the situation to the leadership of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Dana Carvey agreed with Spade’s assessment, stating that “the Hollywood studio system is dying,” and emphasized the need for change to revitalize the industry. Carvey suggested that solutions include negotiating with unions and offering tax breaks to compete with international production hubs like Romania.
The concerns extend beyond Spade and Carvey. Stars Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson were named special ambassadors to Hollywood by President Donald Trump in January 2025, with the goal of restoring the city’s prominence in the film industry.
Voight, in an interview with Variety in May 2025, supported Trump’s decision to impose 100% tariffs on overseas filming, arguing that Hollywood needs to be competitive to attract productions back to the United States. He also stated that the situation requires a collaborative effort, stating, “If we all approach together, I believe we have a bright future.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Spade’s assessment of the Hollywood industry?
David Spade believes “the Hollywood industry is dying” and is looking for someone to blame for its decline, specifically referencing the leadership in California.
What solutions have been proposed to address the issues facing Hollywood?
Dana Carvey suggested negotiating with unions and offering tax breaks to compete with other production locations, such as Romania. Jon Voight supported tariffs on overseas filming.
Who has been involved in efforts to revitalize Hollywood?
Stars Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson were appointed as special ambassadors to Hollywood by President Donald Trump in January 2025 to help restore the industry.
As Hollywood faces these challenges, will collaborative efforts and policy changes be enough to restore its former prominence?
