Shawn Batey, a props assistant and documentary filmmaker, bravely stood on the picket line outside Netflix’s New York offices during the 100th day of the writers strike. As a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Batey knows the importance of solidarity and collective action. However, like many others in the entertainment industry, she has faced financial challenges since the strike began. In her time of need, Batey turned to the Entertainment Community Fund for assistance.
To apply for aid, Batey had to provide her union card, proof of wages, and evidence of her years of membership. Though the application process was lengthy, she believes it’s essential for others in similar situations to apply and patiently wait for support. Thanks to the fund, Batey was able to cover her rent, phone bill, electric bill, and other expenses.
Batey is just one of the thousands of film and television workers who have received help from the Entertainment Community Fund during the strike. As of August 25, the fund has granted $5.4 million to 2,600 workers. Formerly known as The Actors Fund, this nonprofit has a history of supporting entertainment industry workers, both unionized and nonunionized, during challenging times. It continues to raise funds and provide assistance to workers affected by the strikes.
California, Atlanta, and New York have seen the highest number of requests for help from the fund. Currently, the fund is granting one-time grants of up to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families. Craft workers, wardrobe people, makeup artists, carpenters, painters, and electricians are among those benefiting from the fund’s support.
The Motion Picture & Television Fund, established over a century ago, also provides emergency assistance to entertainment workers. It works in collaboration with various unions to administer funds specifically for their members. Additionally, the fund offers financial and counseling support to workers who are not affiliated with any union and provides housing to industry veterans over the age of 70.
Bob Beitcher, the president and CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, acknowledges that many low-paid entertainment workers are struggling financially due to the strikes. Without the federal programs and protections in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, workers are at risk of losing their homes, vehicles, and health insurance. Beitcher emphasizes the need for greater support from the industry to help those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
In response to the urgent situation, various organizations and individuals have stepped up to provide aid. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, dedicated to supporting actors union members, quickly raised $15 million during the actors strike. High-profile celebrities, including Dwayne Johnson, Meryl Streep, George and Amal Clooney, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and others, generously donated to the cause. The foundation recognizes the importance of supporting smaller actors who often live paycheck to paycheck.
The Union Solidarity Coalition, founded by actors such as Andrea Savage, Lena Dunham, and Paul Scheer, has also been actively fundraising. Through benefit shows and online auctions, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the MPTF fund. Additionally, talk show hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver have launched a podcast, “Strike Force Five,” with proceeds going to the writers and crew on their TV shows.
As the strike continues, union members are facing the possibility of losing their health insurance. In response, a small group of showrunners created a fund dedicated to covering healthcare for crew members. They joined forces with the MPTF to support their colleagues in need.
Despite the challenges she faces, Batey remains hopeful and shows support for the striking writers and actors. She is exploring alternative avenues for work outside of her field while figuring out how to make ends meet during the strike. In the meantime, she stands in solidarity with her fellow workers, believing that this fight is not just about money but also dignity and standing up for what is right.
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