Hollywood’s Labor Force Relies on Charitable Foundations for Financial Survival Amidst Strikes

In the sweltering heat of August, on the 100th day of the writers’ strike, Shawn Batey proudly displayed her “IATSE Solidarity” sign as she participated in a picket outside Netflix’s New York offices. A props assistant and documentarian, Batey is part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, a union that represents a broad swath of workers in the entertainment sector across the United States, not just in Hollywood and New York. Batey, who has lent her expertise to shows like “Pose” and “Russian Doll,” has been grappling with financial difficulties since the initiation of the writers’ strike in May, exacerbated when actors joined the strike on July 14. To alleviate her financial constraints, she sought assistance from the Entertainment Community Fund.

The application process for this emergency fund is extensive, requiring proof of union membership, income, and years of service within the union. Despite the complexity, Batey insists that the effort is worthwhile. “It is crucial that people apply. Patience is key,” she advises.

Batey is among the 2,600 workers in the film and television sectors whom the Entertainment Community Fund has assisted during these labor disruptions. As of August 25, the fund, formerly identified as The Actors Fund, has disbursed $5.4 million. This charitable organization has a long history of providing support to the labor force that underpins the entertainment industry—individuals who were essentially temporary workers even before the term gained popular currency. This support extends to both union and non-union members, and to those who have either gone on strike or lost work due to the ongoing strikes.

Based on application data, the fund has been most sought-after in California, followed by Atlanta and New York. So far, it has raised $7.6 million and is distributing roughly $500,000 each week. Presently, the fund issues one-time grants of up to $2,000 for single applicants and $3,000 for families.

Tom Exton, Chief Advancement Officer for the Entertainment Community Fund, outlined the diverse occupations of those seeking assistance, including craftspeople, wardrobe assistants, makeup artists, set carpenters, painters, and electricians. The organization, he mentioned, has been a stalwart support in past crises such as the AIDS epidemic and the financial recession, and continues to solicit funds to address current needs.

Operating in a parallel capacity, the Motion Picture & Television Fund, established over a century ago, collaborates with unions to offer emergency aid exclusively to their membership. Although they chose not to reveal the amount of financial aid procured from these unions, they offer both financial and emotional support to workers unaffiliated with any union. They also offer accommodation to industry veterans aged 70 and above.

The severity of the situation is evident. Bob Beitcher, President and CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, indicated that numerous lower-income entertainment workers, who had little to no financial buffer after the pandemic, are losing their homes, vehicles, and health insurance. The foundation has been fielding 200 calls per day, a tenfold increase since before the strikes. The majority of these calls are from “below-the-line” workers, meaning those who are not actors, writers, directors, or producers.

As the labor disputes persist, increasing numbers of union members are expected to lose their health insurance coverage due to insufficient work hours. To mitigate this, a group of showrunners has initiated a specialized fundraising effort in conjunction with the Motion Picture & Television Fund to cover healthcare costs for crew members.

In summary, the ongoing strikes in Hollywood have precipitated a financial crisis among the labor force, necessitating increased reliance on nonprofit funds for survival. These charitable organizations continue to play a vital role, offering much-needed financial relief to the struggling workers who constitute the backbone of the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollywood Strikes Nonprofit Support

More about Hollywood Strikes Nonprofit Support

• Hollywood Strikes: Current Status
• Overview of the Entertainment Community Fund
• Motion Picture & Television Fund: How it Helps
• SAG-AFTRA Foundation: Recent Initiatives
• Impact of Strikes on Entertainment Industry
• Financial Crisis in the Entertainment Sector: A Historical Context
• Strikes and Health Insurance: What You Need to Know
• Profile of Striking Workers in the Entertainment Industry
• The Role of Nonprofits in Labor Strikes: An Analysis