Behind the Hollywood Sign: Learning From the Current LA Trends.

Written by @Tacita Small

Photo by izayah ramos on Unsplash

There’s a reason so many production professionals still talk about “going to LA” - even when they’re working out of London, Manchester or Cape Town. Because whether you’re in pre-production for a major streamers new thriller or deep into post on a docuseries, Los Angeles isn’t just a location. 

At The Small HR Company, we’ve been paying attention – not just to what’s made in LA, but to how it’s made. Because the future of successful productions isn’t just about talent, tech, or tight turnarounds. It’s about the people who hold it all together. And nowhere is that more evident than in the evolving approach to HR, learning and development, and culture in LA-based productions. 

LA's Quiet Revolution in People & Culture 

You won’t always see it on a call sheet, but production companies in LA have quietly become leaders in building HR infrastructure and culture initiatives behind the scenes. 

A report by HR Grapevine (US) highlighted that Hollywood, crew and creatives are choosing where to work based not only on credits and budgets – but on culture, leadership, and support. The most sought-after studios and production houses aren’t necessarily the biggest – they’re the ones who are getting people practices right. 

People want to know: 
- Will I be supported? 
- Can I speak up? 
- Will I burn out halfway through the run? 

It’s not just a vibe check – it’s a deciding factor. And it’s reshaping how we think about what makes a production “high quality.” 

Why This Matters for the UK & Beyond 

So why should HR consultants, producers and people teams in the UK entertainment space care? Because LA is showing what’s possible when HR and L&D are seen as part of the production toolkit, not just overhead. From on-set training to coaching for heads of department, structured wellbeing check-ins to inclusion training for cast and crew - productions that invest early in their people are seeing stronger outcomes and better retention. 

And while some might assume that HR in entertainment is all “after-the-fact fire-fighting,” LA’s lead is showing us that it can be so much more: proactive, developmental, and transformational. 

What We’re Learning from LA’s Approach 

Training isn’t optional - it’s operational. For many production companies, Streamers and Studios based In LA, onboarding isn’t just about NDAs and crew IDs. It’s an opportunity to set the tone, build trust and outline expectations. Many productions now use short, snappy microlearning training (we do too!) to brief crew on communication, respectful conduct and problem-solving protocols. 

When HR is involved from prep, the result is faster conflict resolution, clearer expectations, and a more cohesive production culture. 

Coaching for creatives works 
Let’s face it: not every director, showrunner or HoD is a natural manager. And that’s okay. But with the right support, including real-time coaching and leadership development, they can navigate tricky team dynamics without derailing the vibe. 

We’ve supported producers and department leads with coaching sessions that demystify “people problems” and turn HR into a trusted partner, not a last resort. 

People culture is production value 
LA-based productions are showing us that crew who feel safe, respected and included work smarter; not just harder. HR that understands the creative process can help prevent burnout, improve collaboration, and reduce attrition mid-project.

This isn’t about being “corporate” – it’s about building a workplace where people can actually do their best work. 

Why We’re Talking About LA 

Because it’s time we started thinking of HR as a creative department. The teams we support aren’t just asking for contracts and handbooks; they want guidance, flexibility, tools and insight. They want someone in their corner when the stress hits. They want to work in environments where people are valued, not just used. 

The LA model isn’t perfect – but it’s pointing to a future where HR, learning & development, and production support are deeply integrated, not added on. 

What This Means for Your Next Project 

If you’re leading a production, in TV, film, live events, music or theatre, and you’re thinking - “We’ve never done HR this way before…” Good. Now’s probably the best time to start. 

Whether you’re building a crew from scratch or working with a returning team, we can help you: 
- Embed training into your pre-production process 
- Coach your leadership through people challenges 
- Mediate conflicts before they escalate 
- Support crew welfare without disrupting your workflow 

Let’s Build the Future of Production Together 

At The Small HR Company, we bring modern, human-first people support to teams in entertainment. We’ve worked across productions of all shapes and sizes and we know that building trust, handling pressure, and keeping people at the centre makes all the difference. 

Want to explore production centric HR, or introduce Learning & Development for those that manage others or simply want a chat about how to create a healthy production culture? Let’s talk. We’re experts in the field and would love to show you what’s possible.