Connect
It Takes Our Village: Hollywood Coalition Supports Below-the-Line Workers Impacted by COVID-19
While some writers are still able to work during the current coronavirus pandemic, the vast majority of the entertainment industry’s below-the-line workers—from assistants and key grips to craft services and drivers—have been immediately impacted by the virtual shutdown of TV and film production. These crucial workers have found themselves suddenly out of work and without a regular paycheck or safety net.
To provide financial assistance to these below-the-line workers, Made Up Stories CEO Bruna Papandrea (Big Little Lies) and producer Gregg Fienberg (Sharp Objects) have founded It Takes Our Village, a new Hollywood coalition of writers, directors, producers, and executives, including several WGAW members. The organization launched a GoFundMe campaign this week to benefit thousands of below-the-line workers who’ve been hit the hardest by coronavirus-related production suspensions and shutdowns, not only in town, but around the world.
Writers Guild members who’ve joined the coalition include Kenya Barris (black-ish), Dana Fox (Home Before Dark), David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies), Pam Veasey (L.A.’s Finest), Ben Watkins (Hand of God), Derek Cianfrance (I Know This Much is True), and Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, director), among others.
“As a writer, producer, and director of television, it has always been the passion, commitment, and unwavering support of the staff and crew that has brought my vision to life. And along that journey we become family. They are my peeps! Love them all and hope they and their families are safe and healthy,” said Veasey, executive producer, L.A.’s Finest.
It Takes Our Village has partnered with two industry organizations already providing relief to below-the-line crew: The Actors Fund and The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF). They are working in tandem applying the same eligibility criteria and dispensing the same amount of money—generally $1,000 for an individual and potentially higher for families—as well as coordinating to ensure people only apply to one of the funds.
Through the social media campaign, “It Takes Our Village to #SupportOurCrews,” as of April 9, the effort has raised nearly $200,000 toward its ultimate $2.5 million goal. Visit the It Takes Our Village GoFundMe page to donate to the campaign and for more information.
For a full list of COVID-19 resources for writers, visit the WGAW’s resource page.