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  • All Blogs/ Entertainment Industry Insights: Jul. 18 2025

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Summer Challenge - Production & Tax Incentives - Colbert Cancellation - Emmy Noms

By Abigail Hardin, July 18, 2025

Eye23
Happy Summer, UTD!

Summer might feel like a quieter season in the biz, but behind the scenes, the industry is moving—and changing—fast. Whether you're deep in self-tape season, reworking your materials, or just trying to stay inspired, now is the perfect time to take a breath, take stock, and re-engage with your career in meaningful ways.

This month, I want to share two new blogs that I think you’ll really connect with:

First, we’ve put together a Summer Reading List for Actors—a mix of books that fuel your craft, mind, and spirit. These aren't just “actor books,” but titles that challenge, uplift, and deepen your creative voice. Think of it as a reset for your artistic soul, one page at a time.
Read the full list here »

Your Challenge: Pick one book from each category to complete by the end of summer. Let the words of master teachers, visionaries, and working actors guide your next chapter.

Second, if you’ve been questioning your current rep situation, you’re not alone. Our latest blog, When It’s Time to Walk Away, lays out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that it might be time to move on from your agent or manager. Because staying in the wrong partnership too long can stall your momentum—and you deserve forward motion.
Read more here »

Beyond those deep dives, there are some major headlines worth keeping your eye on:

Production incentives are shifting. Big news for U.S.-based film and TV work: California has officially expanded and streamlined its film tax credit program, making it more attractive than ever for productions to stay local. New provisions now offer extended eligibility and simplified access—great news for below-the-line workers and actors based in L.A. Meanwhile, states like Wisconsin are making fresh moves to reintroduce incentives and reclaim their place on the production map. All this points to a promising trend: more opportunities for regional talent, and more productions choosing to shoot right here at home.

Over at CBS, things are getting... strange. A reported settlement with Trump, followed by the sudden cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert two weeks later, has sent shockwaves through late-night—and raised big questions about media influence.

Meanwhile, the Emmy nominations are in! Some surprises, some upsets, and a continued trend of streaming platforms dominating the field.

And in theatre news, New York’s Broadway Tax Credit fund is running dry, potentially threatening the development pipeline for new productions. Additionally, at The New York Times, Jesse Green is out, leaving the esteemed media company to search for a new chief theatre critic — a move that could alter how Broadway is covered in the cultural conversation.

So yes—things are evolving. But that’s why we’re here. To help you stay informed, empowered, and ready to act.

With admiration for your hustle and heart,

Let’s move forward, together.

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