The importance of below the line artists in Hollywood’s evolving landscape

As 2025 begins, Hollywood workers look forward to the industry regaining a sense of normalcy.  “Gladiator II” production designer Arthur Max discusses his career and the importance of below-the-line workers. 

“Filmmaking is a social art form and you rely on so many people, you can’t do it by yourself, and it’s also interdepartmental,” Max said. 

Filmmaker Yi Zhou, who created a documentary about the very topic, offered her forecast.

“I just think we should keep our mind and our vision positive, especially for 2025. We hope that the strike hangover will be over and then we can all generate more work,” Zhou said.