[TheMagicHorsey]

Is that what happened to musicians after music production gear became cheaper and democratized?

Arguably this is the golden age for musicians. Lowest barriers to entry ever, if you have talent. You don't need anyone's permission to be a star ... just talent.

Why would it be different for actors?

I feel like you are not thinking about the full implications of this kind of democratizing tech.

[mrandish]

As a self-admitted lousy musician and marginal-at-best amateur filmmaker, the last two decades of technological progress have unleashed a veritable Disneyland of capability I can access anytime 24/7. As amazing as the tools are, the ability to collaborate with other amateurs around the world and to instantly publish content to a global audience with no gatekeepers is equally transformative.

Perhaps I appreciate just how much we live in "the golden age" of personal creativity because I'm >50 yrs old and lived through saving from each paycheck to afford renting a high-quality camera for a day or an edit suite for a few hours (only between 12a-6a for the reduced rate). I'll just come out and say it, "Kids these days have no idea how amazing their world is." Now, excuse me while I go outside to yell at some clouds...