Entertainment jobs take a dip in '06

With 8,100 fewer jobs, market will see 4% decline

By DAVE MCNARY

The state's job market in entertainment will see a 4% decline this year, with 8,100 fewer slots, to cut the total to 174,100, according to a study issued today.

The figure, according to the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., will edge down next year by 0.8%, with 1,400 fewer jobs in 2007.

The industry peaked with 209,000 jobs in 1999, according to LAEDC figures.

Jack Kyser, LAEDC chief economist, cited high levels of TV production as a positive factor for the industry, while pointing to an array of developments with negative impact, including poor box office performance, slowing DVD sales, runaway production, reduction in the number of films produced, a lack of state government incentives for film producers and the emergence of more confrontational leaders at Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America.

The agency's breakdown of employment for 2006 includes 7,500 fewer jobs for a total of 99,200 in motion picture and video production; 400 new jobs in independent artists, writers and performers for a total of 15,300; and 700 new jobs in broadcasting for a total of 47,400.