They are freelancers.. they have to wait for their next gig. They have to strike when the iron is hot. Actor, entertainer, musician, etc. it’s not a safe industry. Of course you have exceptions (Drake, Jays) but majority of the time it is not like that, even if they’re responsible and have a great team.
A lot of artist are only in position to work because higher priority artist release music, which generates money or for actors, some decline which allows 2,3,4,5th choices to obtain the role.
The whole percentages is another battle and that’s not even a conversation, if you’re just breaking into the industry. We see a lot of actor/actress is turning into executive producers and directors now because they put the work in. Same with artists who partner with the label and create their own conglomerate and sign other artists to their roster.
I’ve done photography for a lot of artist and the cars they get into when no one’s looking, or the borrowed clothes from stylist, or the scrambling to pay band members, etc.
That’s why they dive so quickly to into these partnerships with other brands as well to save money.