THE entertainment industry is one of many that has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and that is something Leeton actor Jake Speer can certainly attest to.
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Mr Speer was in Leeton briefly last week, taking time to discuss what the pandemic and its restrictions have meant for his industry.
It has been tough times for many in the creative arts realm, with shows cancelled or postponed, television production and filming halted, theatres closed, concerts unable to go ahead - and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
While the industry has been left reeling, many have been using technology to keep their creativity flowing while they work on ideas for the future.
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As the full brunt of the pandemic was starting to felt in Australia, Mr Speer was finishing up a role on a new Netflix show titled Click Bait.
While his scenes had wrapped up, there were still two episodes remaining that needed to be filmed before restrictions were put in place and American actors working on the show had to head home to the States.
"From where I have been observing things and, without being too hyperbolic, it's been pretty catastrophic for the industry," Mr Speer said.
"It's been a massive hit.
"To think you can't go see a play or go to a concert across the entire country, is pretty bizarre.
"We're starting to see some shows thinking about coming back and filming while abiding to social distancing and how they might work."
Mr Speer has been busy during the lockdown period thanks to a production company he has started with some of his peers.
This has allowed him to stay involved, while also looking to the future.
He has also been lending a hand to the Roxy Theatre redevelopment project, coming on board as an honourary member of the committee at the helm of the initiative.
With so many in the industry currently not working, including everyone from actors, sound and lighting technicians, to crew, singers, artists and more, there's no doubting the economic and mental health impact.
Mr Speer said many of these people were also ineligible for the federal government's JobKeeper program as the majority work as freelancers.
However, with restrictions easing, Mr Speer was confident the industry would rebound.
"I know everyone is really looking forward to getting back out there and going and seeing a play, a musician or whatever it might be and we're all looking forward to bringing that back as well," he said.
