Hollywood is facing worsening conditions as writers earn less, fewer shoots occur in Los Angeles, and AI anxiety grows. However, according to Hayes Davenport, the industry's decline began before AI emerged. Davenport, a writer for shows like Family Guy and creative director of LA Material, co-hosts the Hollywood Handbook podcast.

He joined a discussion at the Vermont to explain Hollywood's steady downturn from the pandemic onward. The conversation also covered shifting attitudes toward AI use in entertainment and why Davenport envies New York's current position relative to Los Angeles.