By: Nic Abelian

Hollywood actor Brent Huff, famous for his portrayal of Smitty in the Emmy-nominated hit series The Rookie, recently shared his thoughts on the evolving entertainment industry during an appearance on The Stream Panther podcast. Hosted by Ajay Tambe, an Indian producer who has transformed the platform into one of the industry's most popular podcasts, The Stream Panther offers a behind-the-scenes look at major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and Paramount+.

Ajay’s podcast attracts a wide range of industry professionals, from stars and Emmy winners to entertainment lawyers and trailblazing startup founders, who share insights into the rapidly transforming entertainment landscape. With The Rookie now in its eighth season, consistently drawing global attention, Huff’s perspective is invaluable in understanding the changes taking place in Hollywood.

The Unscripted Charm of Smitty: An Accidental Comedic Icon

Reflecting on his character, Smitty, Huff shared how a role that was originally designed as a grumpy, seasoned cop unexpectedly evolved into a comedic fan favorite. “I had no idea this was going to go into the comedy realm,” he admitted, describing Smitty as a character who “marches to a different drummer” and operates in his own unique orbit.

The actor credits the character’s success to the universal appeal of relatable imperfections, comparing Smitty’s charm to that of comedic legends like Lucille Ball. He values the compliment that his portrayal appears unscripted, emphasizing his commitment to grounding the performance in reality, even amidst the show's comic relief.

Navigating a Post-Pandemic, Post-Strike Hollywood: A Call for Equity

Turning to the broader industry, Huff addressed the growing disparities between the “haves and have-nots” in Hollywood, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and recent strikes. He spoke out in favor of a more equitable distribution of wealth, questioning the vast salaries of studio executives while many industry professionals struggle to make ends meet. This sentiment reflects a broader call for systemic change in Hollywood’s economic structure.

The Exodus from Los Angeles: Runaway Production and the Digital Shift

Photo Credit: Stream Panther

The conversation also covered the increasing trend of “runaway production,” where states like California, despite offering significant incentives, are losing out to more cost-effective deals in locations like Atlanta and even Ireland. Huff shared an anecdote about actor Rob Lowe filming in Ireland, where it proved more affordable to fly an entire crew internationally than to shoot locally in Los Angeles.

This trend, along with the growing reliance on digital platforms for auditions and even acting classes, marks a fundamental shift in the industry, diminishing Hollywood's role as the singular creative hub for film and television production.

Streaming vs. Network TV: A New Era of Story Consumption

The rise of streaming platforms has revolutionized both content creation and consumption. Huff pointed out the differences between traditional network television and the more flexible, often boundary-pushing content on streaming services. He noted that with more people consuming content from home, movie theater attendance has declined significantly. This shift, driven by the influence of tech companies like Netflix and Amazon, is changing the way actors and directors work, as well as the overall industry dynamics.

From a director's perspective, Huff discussed the challenges and opportunities in today’s entertainment landscape. He recalled the pre-streaming era, when independent films relied heavily on foreign markets and video rentals for profitability. Today, while film festivals like Sundance continue to play a crucial role, their increasing competitiveness makes it harder to break into the industry. Huff also mentioned the economic advantages of filming outside Los Angeles, with international locations like Russia and Serbia, and even domestic cities like Kansas City, offering lower production costs compared to Hollywood.

This economic pressure has driven many professionals in the industry to seek alternative careers, highlighting the hardships faced by some in today’s rapidly changing environment.

The Future of Storytelling: Human Connection Amidst AI and Superheroes

Looking ahead, Huff expressed concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the creative processes in the entertainment industry. While he acknowledged the growing role of technology, he emphasized the irreplaceable value of human storytelling and the deep connection it creates between creators and audiences. He lamented the rise of “fake” superhero movies, advocating for a return to more authentic stories that resonate emotionally with viewers. This passionate plea underscores his desire to preserve the art of storytelling in an industry increasingly driven by commercial interests and technological advancements.

About The Stream Panther

Stream Panther is a global digital media platform dedicated to the world of OTT entertainment. Known for its in-depth coverage of major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Paramount+, the platform brings audiences closer to the stories, stars, and creators defining the streaming era.

What sets Stream Panther apart is its focus on the human side of entertainment. Founded by Ajay Tambe, an actor and creative producer with roots in theatre, the platform goes beyond reporting the news. It dives deep into the creative journeys, industry changes, and personal stories behind the headlines.

The Stream Panther Podcast, hosted by Tambe, is a global platform that shines a spotlight on voices from across the entertainment industry, including actors, directors, writers, and producers. The podcast features exclusive interviews, deep-dive conversations, and original stories, providing unique insights into the journeys of those who help shape the entertainment world.

With a reputation for insightful storytelling and international reach, Stream Panther is available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and over 50 others. The podcast has ranked among the top podcasts in many countries and is part of the broader Stream Panther digital platform, which covers the ever-evolving landscape of OTT entertainment.

Available on

Spotify  - The Stream Panther
Listen on Apple Podcasts - The Stream Panther
Instagram - @streampanthernetwork
Website - streampanther.com
Youtube - @StreamPanther