Resources for Employees in the Entertainment Industry
List is Credited from: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-03-24/entertainment-industry-offers-string-of-funds-for-help Written by Anousha Sakoui, Staff Writer for LATimes
- The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has launched a COVID-19 disaster fund to provide emergency financial assistance to current SAG-AFTRA members. Assistance covers such basic expenses as rent, mortgage payments, utilities and medical bills. The union has detailed a list of resources on its website for members and applications for assistance can be made online at https://sagaftra.foundation/assistance/disasterrelief.
- Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund. The fund says it will spend millions trying to provide some relief to those who work in theatrical exhibition, distribution or vendors exclusive to it. Applicants can apply for help by calling (888) 994-3863, ext. 6003, or via email at the website https://wrpioneers.org/contact.
- #PayUpHollywood, a group that has been advocating for the rights of assistants, along with several leading TV writers and others, has raised more than $500,000 on GoFundMe for up to 800 Los Angeles-based support staff affected by production shutdowns. Those facing wage losses caused by production cancellations can receive payouts of $600 to $1,050. For more information contact: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQKXL5K.
- The Motion Picture and Television Fund offers a variety of services to provide emotional and financial assistance to qualified industry members. MPTF President and CEO Bob Beitcher said the group’s intake line is four times busier than usual. “The calls are mainly focused ... around health insurance, around strategies for dealing with banks on mortgages and auto payments, landlords, utility companies and credit card companies,” Beitcher said. “There is high anxiety.” Beitcher said the fund is ready to help those in the industry in need of medical, financial and emotional assistance. For further information visit https://mptf.com or call 323-634-3888.
- The Actors Fund, which assists actors, performers and film crew workers, is offering emergency financial assistance to individuals with immediate financial needs. Those unable to pay their basic living expenses such as food, housing and healthcare over the next two months can seek help through the group’s website. For applications go to actorsfund.jotform.com/200766730518860.
- The Writers Guild of America, West has created a webpage of resources for members, including information on where they can get legal help and information on accessing health care. The union’s health plan has waived any costs for testing for COVID-19. Visit https://www.wga.org/members/employment-resources/covid-19-resources. The East Coast branch of the WGA also has detailed resources for its members. The website address is: www.wgaeast.org/covid19/.
- The Directors Guild of America‘s health plan is waiving costs for COVID-19 testing for its members and providing other support. For more information on health and pension plan questions call (877) 866-2200 or visit https://www.dga.org/News/Guild-News/2020/April202/CoronaVirusMessageFromSchlammeHollander_032016.aspx
- The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees offers members resources and information on health plan waivers for testing for COVID-19. The union donated $2.5 million to three entertainment charities, including the Actors Fund. It is also working with employers on emergency measures and lobbying the federal government to ensure that displaced entertainment workers are included in relief efforts. IATSE members should visit the website https://www.iatse.net/coronavirus-update-portal for further details.
- The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund to help those in the music community affected by the pandemic. Individuals who’ve lost work can apply for financial relief online or by visiting https://www.grammy.com/sites/com/files/covid-19_relief_app_2020_revised.pdf.
- Teamsters Local 399 lists resources and options for members facing hardships posted on their website, including connecting those looking for work with alternative driving jobs for companies like supermarket chains Ralphs and Vons. Here is the link to the online application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeolQqIMnavtY3LFqWNljiwVFNhqC2WW3ZDZ3rpHDGE-8D9Jw/viewform
- The Artists Rights Alliance, an artist-run nonprofit advocating for musicians, performers, and songwriters, has detailed a list of resources for music creators and others. Among them is the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, which has created a temporary fund to meet the needs of experimental artists who have had postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. https://foundationforcontemporaryarts.submittable.com/submit/b9feb8b2-3b40-4a12-bee3-b0e71294d17f/covid-19-relief-fund-application
- Equal Sound has launched a relief fund for musicians who can confirm gig cancellations. Musicians and music industry workers affected by the coronavirus also can apply to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund for help. Phone 888-955-7880 or download a grant application form at https://www.sweetrelief.org/uploads/1/2/5/8/125899880/sr-grant-application-2011-new-logov2.pdf
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