LOS ANGELES — Local production is declining, due in part to a sharp decline in unscripted projects. Local filming for reality TV fell about 57% from April through June of this year compared to the same months last year, according to nonprofit FILM LA.

“There is simply no work,” says Kristina Hauser of Tiki Casting, pointing out that when positions are advertised, there is a real rush of applicants. “Sometimes there are a thousand applicants for a job as a casting producer.”

Emily Hsuan has been an editor of original language television series for two decades and considers herself lucky to still have work, even if it’s only 60% of what it once was.

“A lot of people literally haven’t had a post-production job in over a year, it’s just unbelievable,” she said.

She describes what is happening as a snowball effect. Studios are cutting budgets, mergers and acquisitions are constantly changing the production landscape, and many production jobs are being relocated out of California and even out of the country.

Given the current situation, she would not recommend any young professional to follow in her footsteps.

“Honestly, I would really try to talk them out of it,” Hsuan said. “It breaks my heart to say that. But I just don’t think it’s a good look right now.”