As “Abbott Elementary” gears up for Season 6 production in just a few short weeks, stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James and Luke Tennie are reflecting on turbulent changes in the industry — from the pending Paramount-Warner Bros. merger to production struggling in Los Angeles. We’ve lost too many people outside of this state going to other places.” James, who plays Principal Ava on the award-winning comedy, said she doesn’t pay much attention to the noise surrounding the Paramount merger. On stage, she commended the work that Black creatives are doing as writers, producers and actors amid struggling production rates. “Abbott Elementary” not only provides consistent work for its award-winning ensemble but also for the hundreds of young kids who work as extras every season.