Recap: April

Refocusing, Relocating & Reclaiming the Artist’s Path

Let’s talk about refocusing.

Not giving up. Not spiraling. Not pretending things aren’t shifting underneath us.

But recalibrating. Listening. And choosing to grow with the tide instead of drowning in it.

April was loud and clear: this moment in entertainment (and possibly - no, probably - in everything) is a transition: AI advancements, production declining in Los Angeles, the continued decentralization of Hollywood, the economy, the LA Fires...the list goes on and on.

Yet transitions, while uncomfortable, are also ripe with creative potential.

I know this personally. I recently left Los Angeles and relocated to Spain for a year.

Not because I was quitting. Not because I’d “had enough.” But because I was refocusing—on life, on art, on expansion. Because sometimes, growth isn’t about pushing harder where we are. It’s about planting new seeds somewhere unexpected. And for actors, artists, storytellers… those new roots are the work.

So here’s a look at what happened in April and how you, too, can use it as fuel—not fear.

The LA Slowdown & the Rise of Everywhere Else

Let’s start with the elephant (or empty soundstage) in the room: Los Angeles is no longer the production powerhouse it once was.

FilmLA reported that on-location shoots in LA dropped by more than 22% this quarter. That’s not just a dip—it’s a red flag. Entire productions are shifting elsewhere: New Mexico, Atlanta, Canada, Scotland, and yes, places like Spain and Portugal where tax incentives and fresh talent pools are shaking things up.

But this isn’t just a logistical problem—it’s a mindset one.

We were trained to think the only path to success was through Hollywood’s gates. But the gate has moved. Multiple gates have opened! And whether you’re physically relocating, exploring remote jobs, self-producing, or just expanding your definition of “making it,” the path is still valid. Maybe even more exciting than before.

If you’ve been debating whether to take that job outside LA, film something in your hometown, or finally do that international program—you’re not betraying your dream. You’re adapting it. And that’s what pros do.

AI Isn’t the End. It Might Be the Assist.

Paging Sarah Connor...you can stand down for now!

Let’s get into the buzzword: AI. You can’t scroll two seconds without hearing how it’s going to ruin acting forever—or revolutionize it.

The truth (like most things) is somewhere in the middle.

Yes, AI is evolving FAST. Filmmakers like Natasha Lyonne are already using it as part of storytelling (Uncanny Valley will be the first major feature to integrate custom AI visuals from start to finish). But this doesn’t mean we’re being replaced. It means the tools are changing.

So let’s talk tools. For actors.

• Self-tape coaching AI can now give you detailed notes on pacing, clarity, and eye-lines.

  • Examples: Scriptation, StageMilk, AuditionHero

• AI-driven voice & accent tools can help you prep for dialect-heavy roles.

  • Examples: ELSA Speak, Speechling, iDialect

• Scene analysis software can break down scripts and beats for faster prep.

  • DeepStory, Scene Study AI

None of these replace you. They support you. They save time. They give insight. They help you stay nimble and sharp in an industry that keeps evolving.

The lesson here? Instead of asking “Is AI going to take my job?”, start asking “How can I use this to free up my energy for the parts of the job only I can do?”

If anything, AI can be a tool to help you make your OWN work and YOU get to decide if/how you use this new technology.

Global Shifts: The New Normal

The entertainment world is no longer centralized. It’s not even coastal anymore.

Texas is pushing new tax incentives. Scotland is getting a new $28 million VFX hub. Australia’s screen industry is booming. Spain is quietly becoming a hotbed for international co-productions. And China just pulled back on importing American films in response to trade tensions.

In other words: it’s a global game now.

That means if you’re bilingual, digitally savvy, or willing to travel—you’ve already got a head start. Think beyond your zip code. Hell, think beyond your country code.

Want to expand your network? Start joining international casting groups. Follow European or Latin American casting offices. Reach out to indie filmmakers working in emerging markets. Record a self-tape with subtitles. Why not?

It’s not about leaving LA behind. It’s about seeing that LA is no longer the only lens.

Focus Isn’t Rigidity. It’s Direction.

If you’ve felt a little unmoored lately—you’re not alone. These shifts can be disorienting.

But here’s your reminder: focus doesn’t mean clinging to what worked before. It means adjusting your aim toward what works now — and that can mean a bit of exploration.

So here’s a little exercise to ground you:

April’s Refocus Prompt

1. Where am I being invited to adapt?

   Maybe it’s your location, your skillset, or your mindset.

2. What tools am I resisting that could actually help me?

   Be honest. Is it AI? TikTok? That script you’ve been sitting on?

3. What part of me already knows what needs to shift?

   Take a walk. Breathe. Listen.

This industry has always belonged to the people who refuse to stand still. To the ones who shift, flex, and evolve while still holding onto who they are.

So no, you’re not lost. You’re just refocusing.

And when that answer comes—don’t argue with it. Trust that it’s time.

And if that leads you to a soundstage in Atlanta, a rooftop in Barcelona, or a laptop in your childhood bedroom? So be it.

You’re still in the game.

Let’s step into May—clear-eyed, steady, and a little more ready than we were before.

#stayfocused