July 2024, my crew and I were prepping a television show. We were in the middle of a marathon fitting schedule when the SAG-AFTRA press conference brought to reality all the whispered rumors. They were really going to strike. Of course, the WGA had already taken the same position 2 months earlier, putting a lot of my colleagues out of work. This second strike though? This one stopped the Hollywood system dead in its tracks.
Even as we packed up and wound down the production, making returns and closing accounts, we all thought that this couldn’t last. 5, maybe 10 days? Who could have predicted that we would still be in the thick of it months later.
All the trades talk about is what’s happening on the picket lines, what’s not coming to our tv screens and what the studio execs are being rumored to have said. But what about the rest of us? The non-union workers: PAs, assistants, extras (in GA, anyway), the Teamsters, and IATSE. What about our vendors and suppliers? What about the restaurants, shoe repair shops, and homeowners who rent to incoming talent and crew? Who’s talking about us?
We are, that’s who! Come join us (Monique Pearl and Rashante Lee) in conversation with our colleagues about how this strike is affecting us, our families, our businesses and our financial and mental health.
Episode one of this 4-part GGR special includes Actor/Writer/WGA Strike Captain, Kaypri Marcus talking about why, and how, we should support the strike and Cindy Gano, owner of Gano, Inc. talks about the devastation to her industry supply business.
RESOURCES:
1-855-WIF-LINE – advocates on standby to offer emotional support and resources specific to instability due to the work stoppage. People across all entertainment fields and genders are welcome to call in. Thursdays 9a – 4:30p
Entertainment Community Fund – Our free and confidential social service programs address a wide array of challenges faced by people in performing arts and entertainment. Our professional social workers offer support, counseling and practical help.
Inevitable Foundation – a responsive cash granting program for disabled writers in crisis.
Motion Picture & Television Fund Grants – emotional & financial relief to industry members and their families
PayUp Hollywood – provides resources for entertainment support staff
The Union Solidarity Coalition – provides direct financial support to crew members who have lost health insurance due to strike-related shutdowns
Tune in to Geek Girl Riot on idobi Radio every Tuesday at 11pm ET / 8pm PT for your dose of late-night geekery.
RIOTUS 