HUSSLUP app shuts down amid Hollywood job slowdown on September 13

HUSSLUP, a job search and networking app for the entertainment industry, announced it will take an indefinite hiatus starting September 13 due to the ongoing job slowdown in Hollywood. The founder and CEO, H Schuster, communicated this decision to users, expressing deep concern for the challenges faced by the industry and its professionals. The entertainment sector has been grappling with high unemployment rates, with the number of employed individuals in Los Angeles reaching a 30-year low as of June, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The decline in job opportunities has been linked to several factors, including the aftermath of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, significant layoffs at major studios, and the increasing investment in AI tools aimed at streamlining production processes. Schuster noted that these circumstances have hindered the company's ability to generate revenue and secure funding, ultimately leading to the decision to pause operations. Despite a slight increase in job openings, the overall employment situation remains dire, with reports indicating that 75% of members from the Art Directors Guild were unemployed as of May. HUSSLUP had previously raised $2.5 million in funding in 2022, but the current economic climate has made it difficult for startups to attract new capital. The company hopes to relaunch when the industry recovers. In the meantime, HUSSLUP has created a Facebook group to help its members stay connected, although all user profile data will be deleted when the app goes on hiatus. This situation reflects the broader struggles faced by the entertainment industry and startups alike during this challenging period.