How Hollywood Workers Can Get Financial Aid During the Coronavirus

Hollywood shut down is in full effect due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of entertainment industry workers are left questioning how they will pay their bills; however, the Coronavirus lockdown will last. However, over the past week, the entertainment industry’s unions are working overtime to help workers get financial aid and support during these tough times.

According to TheWrap, guild officials say they do not have enough resources to help all workers in need, and federal assistance is necessary, not only for stimulus checks, but o ensure that entertainment workers qualify for government relief.  Guilds encourage those who suddenly find themselves without any financial resources because of the film industry shutdown to reach to their respective guilds for support, and for those who can afford it to contribute to it in any way they can.

Here is a list of financial aid groups for those affected by the Hollywood shut down.

#PayUpHollywood

Liz Alper is a ‘Chicago Fire’ writer and WGA board member, and alongside Jamarah Hayner and Deirdre Mangan, the activist group was created to organize Hollywood workers to increase pay and safety following the #MeToo movement. Now, the group is raising funds to send out small, short-term stipends to workers in need.

#PayUpHollywood has launched a GuFundMe account, which has raised several hundred thousand. The goal of the organizations is to provide emergency checks from $450 to $900 to Hollywood workers who were working on projects that were either filming or set to go into production when the pandemic hit.

$450 checks will be available to those who qualify and who are currently receiving unemployment checks from the California Employee Development Department (EDD). $900 checks will be available to qualified applicants who cannot get checks from the EDD for different reasons, such as 1099 employee status.  Information on EDD services, including aid to those infected or caring for someone infected with coronavirus can check their website for more information.

Those who wish to apply can fill out the questionnaire here. Aid will be provided based on the order of applications received and the level of need. All applicants will need to provide documentation of work lost, EDD application proof, and other information as listed in the survey. Those who wish to donate to the fund can do so on their GoFundMe page.

Actors Fund

The Actors Fund is providing emergency financial assistance and counseling to all entertainment employees. The group was included as part of a $2.5 million donation to IATSE and is no open to applications for emergency funds based on financial need. You can review the information on their website. 

Motion Picture and Television Fund

The Motion Picture and Television Fund announced it would open financial aid and case management services to those affected by the Hollywood shutdown. Those in need can call (323) 634-3888, or check their website for services offered.

“We have been at this place before during the 2007-2008 work stoppage and supported 630 industry members with financial assistance and case management in a challenging time,” wrote President/CEO Bob Beitcher last week. Thanks to the generosity of our community, MPTF is still here for you today.”

Writers Guild of America

For WGA members, WGA West and WGA East are offering legal services to help writers with their contracts and employment rights for any productions that were shut down. The WGA health plan will cover 100 % of coronavirus testing. These and other WGA services are outlined on the guild’s website.

SAG-AFTRA

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF), have formed a coronavirus response reserve to provide support to guild members in need of emergency financial aid because of the pandemic.

Directors Guild of America

The DGA will cover all costs for those who need to be tested for coronavirus and will also include remote treatment from doctors and psychologists as part of their health plan during the California lockdown. DGA members can also apply for short-term, interest-free loans through the Directors’ Guild Foundation, which can be found here.

IATSE

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is increasing its catastrophe withdrawals to include members who need coronavirus financial aid from job declines. The guild is also asking both its members and workers throughout the industry to help them in their drive to urge Congress to make preparations that ensure that Hollywood workers will be able to qualify for any federal relief programs created in the coming weeks. Check their website for more resources for members.

Teamsters Local 399

Drivers that are members of the Teamsters Local 399 who are out of work due to production shutdowns can now apply for jobs at local grocery stores through the union. Local 399 has arranged for preferential employment of members who are in immediate need of a paycheck to take driver jobs at Ralph’s, Albertsons, Vons, and Stater Bros. stores. The union is also allowing members to waive due payments. Information for members is available on the union website.

Continue Reading:

SAG-AFTRA Disaster Fund is Supporting Actors During the Hollywood Shut Down