Financial aid is available for film and TV workers struggling post-strike. Here’s where to look

As a struggling artist trying to make it in the entertainment industry, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and relief knowing that there are organizations out there that offer financial assistance during tough times.

As a movie buff and freelancer in the film and TV industry, I’m no stranger to the rollercoaster ride of income fluctuations.

I’ve found myself in a similar predicament as many workers who’ve been affected by the writers and actors’ strike. Despite the strike coming to an end, the positive outcomes have been scarce. Production has been progressing at a snail’s pace, leaving me with little reason to be optimistic about the future.

The California government provides unemployment benefits, lasting up to six months, to support workers who lose their jobs at companies that pay unemployment insurance taxes. However, freelance workers in the film and TV industry usually don’t qualify for these benefits as they are classified as independent contractors, the Employment Development Department explains.

In the present challenging situation, a ray of hope lies in the fact that entertainment industry workers such as set workers, actors, writers, and others have various options for urgent financial assistance. These resources are backed by unions, foundations, and benefactors who focus their aid on those in the most dire financial straits within specific sectors of the industry.

Here is a list of those extra sources and instructions on how to apply for their aid.

Entertainment Community Fund’s emergency financial assistance program

The Entertainment Community Fund, previously called the Actors Fund, offers financial aid in the form of grants for artists in the performing industry who experience a crisis and struggle to cover essential bills like rent, meals, utilities, and medical expenses.

The assistance can be claimed by union and non-union laborers alike, yet applicants are required to submit proof of their past earning history within the realm of the performing arts or entertainment sector. Eligibility hinges on the length of one’s tenure in the industry and the nature of the performed work.

The Entertainment Community Fund not only dispenses funds from its own plan but additionally receives and disperses financial assistance from nine other entertainment unions, guilds, and affiliated groups.

During the pandemic and strikes, there was a significant increase in the number of requests for assistance. The program is currently distributing between $200,000 and $300,000 per week, which is four to six times more than before COVID-19 hit. Fund officials explained that this surge is due to the delayed production restart and the fact that many workers’ savings were drained by pandemic and strike disruptions.

According to the fund’s data, California sees the most worker requests, while Atlanta and New York follow closely behind with a considerable number of requests as well.

Interested parties can explore the emergency assistance section of the fund’s website for detailed information on how to apply for a grant. Various funding options are available, such as those provided by Casting Society Cares for casting professionals, IATSE Local 161 (for certain East Coast workers), IATSE Local 476 (Chicago crew members), IATSE Local 600 (cinematographers), IATSE Local 700 (editors), and IATSE Local 798 (makeup artists and hairstylists). Each funding source carries its own specific conditions.

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To be eligible for the Entertainment Community Fund’s primary aid program, individuals working in film and television must provide proof of having earned a income within the industry for a minimum of three out of the past six years, with each of those years yielding a minimum of $6,500. Another option is to demonstrate at least 20 years of employment in the field, accompanied by evidence of earning a annual salary of $5,000 or more in ten of those years.

To support your income declaration, you can provide pension or health records from an entertainment union, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or pay stubs. However, you’ll also be required to submit your latest tax return, bank statements, and bills copies for expenses you’re seeking assistance with.

Motion Picture & Television Fund grants

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: Back in 1921, visionaries like Mary Pickford and other Hollywood greats established the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF). It was an impressive feat, as sound had yet to make its way into movies. Fast forward a few years, and this charitable organization is still going strong, relying on donations from the entertainment industry. One of its many roles is providing financial assistance to individuals working in our beloved film industry who find themselves in tough times.

Workers in the entertainment industry who can prove they have financial hardships due to the strike are eligible for temporary assistance. Each application is assessed individually to determine eligibility and grant size. Additionally, counseling, confidential support, and connections to other resources are provided.

For application inquiries, feel free to phone (323) 634-3888 if you’re under 65, or (323) 634 3866 for those aged 65 and above. Alternatively, send an email to info@mptf.com.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s emergency assistance program

I have worked with various charities and non-profit organizations throughout my career, and I can wholeheartedly attest to the vital role that funds like this play in supporting individuals during their most challenging times. The actors union fund, specifically, is a beacon of hope for members who find themselves in an unexpected crisis, such as a medical emergency. The application process may seem stringent, but it’s crucial to ensure that the funds reach those in genuine need. Cyd Wilson, the foundation’s executive director, emphasizes the importance of proving both a personal crisis and financial hardship. It’s not an easy thing to go through, but knowing that there’s a safety net for those who truly need it brings immense comfort.

To submit an application, you are required to submit copies of your most recent tax return, the last two bank statements for both savings and checking accounts, your current lease or mortgage statement, and proof of any medical bills or other expenses requiring assistance. A team of social workers and foundation administrators will carefully review each application and make decisions based on individual circumstances.

As an assistant fan, I’d be happy to help you with the application process for membership. You can easily submit your application on this page. For further details and inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via email at assistance@sagaftra.foundation or give us a call at (323) 549-6773. We look forward to welcoming you into our community!

The Directors Guild Foundation’s interest-free loans

Established in 1945, the Directors Guild Foundation provides assistance to members of the Directors Guild of America in two ways: they offer short-term loans of up to $10,000 for members dealing with immediate financial difficulties, and emergency loans of up to $3,000 for those experiencing severe financial crises. The application procedure for emergency loans is streamlined and expedited.

On the foundation’s website, it is stated that active DGA members with a minimum of five years tenure and who have achieved the necessary earnings level – sufficient for securing DGA healthcare coverage in any of the past three years or in a cumulative total of ten years – can access interest-free standard loans.

Active members of the DGA, who have been part of the guild for at least two years and have met specific earning requirements, are eligible for no-interest emergency loans. These requirements include earning enough to qualify for DGA health coverage in at least two out of the last five years or in a total of ten years.

You can apply for a loan on the foundation’s website.

The Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund

Since 2005, the Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund has provided Writers Guild of America West members with short-term aid in the form of zero-interest loans.

Current and former members in need of quick financial aid can apply for loans offered by the Motion Picture & Television Fund. Eligible applicants can receive a maximum of two loans, each worth up to $7,000, adding up to a lifetime limit of $14,000.

To initiate the procedure, reach out to the Motion Picture & Television Fund Community Social Services by making a phone call to (323) 634-3888. Please note that a representative will return your call within approximately a day, though this may take longer if the volume of calls is significant.

Qualified candidates will be given a proposed action plan and potential loan suggestions for review. If an application is denied, the reason will be explained along with further resources for consideration.

Comedy Gives Back grants

Comedy Gives Back is a charitable organization that offers various forms of assistance to comedians facing hardships. They provide mental health resources and monetary grants for comedians experiencing financial difficulties. These grants can be used to cover expenses such as housing costs, medical bills, transportation fees, and expenses related to substance abuse or mental health treatment. Furthermore, they can help alleviate the overall financial stress that these comedians may be experiencing.

To get started, create a new account on the Comedy Gives Back website and complete the form there, which consists of eight pages. In this form, describe the assistance you require and the reasons behind it. Additionally, please include information regarding your income, possessions, regular expenditures, and employment status.

To be eligible, an individual must have made a minimum of $12,000 in comedy earnings during the past two years.

Inevitable Foundation’s Young Adult Relief Fund

The Inevitable Foundation, an organization that supports film and television writers and filmmakers with disabilities, recently partnered with the Snap Foundation to provide $500 grants to financially strained individuals aged 18 to 25 in Los Angeles County. This new fund, named the Young Adult Relief Fund, was established approximately a month ago as a reaction to the challenging economic circumstances facing the industry following the strike, according to Richie Siegel, one of the co-founders of the Inevitable Foundation.

Applications for grants will be processed on a priority basis for individuals with disabilities who are seeking to build a career in film or TV writing or filmmaking. According to the foundation’s website, those who qualify include persons living with physical or developmental disabilities, learning difficulties, intellectual impairments, chronic health conditions, mental health issues, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and neurodivergence.

During the application procedure, candidates need to prove they fulfill the age and residence conditions first. Next, they will undergo a straightforward assessment of their financial requirements. If approved, they could become entitled to further grants at a later stage.

The Emergency Fund set up by Inevitable Foundation for disabled writers and filmmakers facing hardships during the Writers Guild of America strike last year is currently on hold as they aim to collect more funds to continue accepting new applications. (Source: Siegel)

2024-07-18 22:24