Hollywood Powerhouses Step Up with Major Donations to Support Struggling Crew Amidst Ongoing Strikes
The ongoing strikes in Hollywood are not only affecting actors and writers but also the essential crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Recognizing the impact of the strike on these essential workers, a trio of influential Hollywood figures have stepped up to provide much-needed support.
Ryan Murphy, the creator of American Horror Story, has pledged an impressive $500,000 to the Ryan Murphy Productions Assistance Fund. This fund will aim to provide aid to any current or former crew members from any of Murphy’s shows. Greg Berlanti, the mastermind behind all of the CW DC shows, has donated a remarkable $800,000 to provide assistance to current and former employees. Director Paul Feig has also joined the cause by pledging $100,000 to The Motion and Picture Television Fund and urging others to follow suit.
Feig emphasized the importance of supporting the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) colleagues, stating, We have seen firsthand on sets the persistence, talent, and endurance of our IATSE colleagues, so it’s imperative we do our part to ensure they get on the other side of this work stoppage.
These significant donations offer a lifeline of relief for those affected by the work stoppage, which has become the second-longest strike in the history of the Writers Guild of America. In July, the Screen Actors Guild took to the picket lines, further halting productions. With Hollywood currently shut down indefinitely, tens of thousands of crew members are facing substantial financial burdens, many of whom are still recovering from the production halt caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
However, Murphy, Berlanti, and Feig are not the only ones stepping in to support these crew members. Marta Kauffman, Paula McCrane, and Paul Scheer have recently announced their partnership with the Union Solidarity Coalition to host The Give Back-ular Spectacular benefit on October 25th at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. This event will feature live-streamed comedy and musical performances as a show of solidarity across the industry.
The two-hour live fundraiser aims to raise money and awareness for the entire community of artists, craftspeople, technicians, production assistants, and support staff. Contributions will go towards easing the financial burden for members of IATSE, Teamsters, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, and other talents in the entertainment industry. Additionally, the funds will help provide coverage for COBRA and healthcare premiums.
Ryan Murphy expressed his optimism on Instagram, stating, Together, we will navigate through this chapter, and before long, we’ll once again create, inspire, and innovate within the industry we love.
The generous contributions from these Hollywood powerhouses and the upcoming benefit showcase a united effort to alleviate the challenges faced by the hardworking crew members. While the strike continues to disrupt the industry, the outpouring of support grants hope for a brighter future ahead.
