Good article, Jason. It left me a little queasy, and I wasn't sure why at first. I think I've figured it out. It's the unintended politicization of this pandemic. That is, we all see it through our own lens: through what's most important to us. That's human. It'd be like talking to a bar owner who isn't sure their bar will open and be profitable ever again. They'll first see the pandemic through the lens of their own experience. So I guess if one is all about changing Hollywood to be more inclusive, that would be one of the first things you'd worry about. I read the article title as being what Hollywood is going to look like, meaning how the fuck will we do production- not just the big guys who can isolate cast and crew for two weeks and have the financial resources to do testing, etc.- but also for us tiny indies who frankly can't afford that. And that, sir, is me looking at life (and your article headline) through my own lens. So, bravo! The meat of your article was a leetle beet unexpected (if a bit on-the-nose, title-wise).

I feel like Hollywood is one of the least inclusive places on Earth and always has been. I don't mean it just towards people who don't look a certain way. I mean it for everyone, even those pale male ones who like women. But I've seen friends get into studio diversity programs and not get a job. I've seen friends who are incredibly talented and just happen to be African-American or 1st generation Chinese-American who can't get staffed on shows. I've been here off and on for a while, and I've watched many dozens of people who have real talent and drive and an incredible work ethic who have not gotten "in". Hollywood is fucking hard for everyone, unless you happen to be related to it.

I'm not sure that there's a real fix for that. Outside of finding a way to create and to live that isn't reliant upon this (outside of the studios) amorphous idea of "Hollywood". And I know we can't all do an indie feature or web series that gets so much love that "they" can't ignore you anymore. But I absolutely admire the people I meet- of all shapes, sizes, and shades of skin- who approach this journey less about getting a job or doing the "right" thing to curry praise or favor from the anointed ones and more about building a career and a life. Because this life is the only one we get.

So basically, Jason, you wrote an article that wasn't what I'd expected to read. And that got me thinking about totally different shit than I thought I'd be thinking about. Thank you.

It sure is nice seeing BMD and Maxon embracing Metal.

I've been reading some colleagues' reactions online. Basically trying to push through this with bravado, like the production company CEO who went on about how no matter what they'll continue to deliver for their clients in the same ways as always, etc. No, you won't. Things have changed already and will continue to change. We need to adapt and be open to pivots and changing how we work. We don't need panic and we don't need false bravado and boasting.

Thanks, Jason. All my Hollywood and even NY industry pals (minus a few comics) have social media presences that are dry and businesslike or extra personal and nonpolitical to the extreme. Probably mostly for these reasons in your article. I wonder what Picasso, David Bowie, etc. would think of this world in which artists shut their mouths in fear of reprisals. And yet, many of the commercial decks I see tout the "Celebrity Talent"'s Twitter and IG numbers to shore up their castability to the end client. I'm sure they do that with directors, too. Social media is a devil's bargain.

Gorgeous. I'm in.

The system is broken and has been since I've been an adult. When your whole industry is run by soulless fucks who choose "partners" based on how much they're willing to abuse themselves and their freelancers, we need a revolution. Same deal in advertising. But that's another column.