WGA Raises Solidarity Assistance Funds
Needs-based financial assistance is available to individuals throughout the industry.
Los Angeles and New York – Recognizing the broader effects of a work stoppage on the entertainment community, members of the WGA Negotiating Committee, Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) Board, Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) Council, and others have pledged funds to help industry workers in need.
With lead gifts from J.J. Abrams, Greg Berlanti, Adam McKay, Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, Mike Schur, and John Wells, writers have pledged more than $1.7 million to the Entertainment Community Fund to help all industry workers
“This is a time for our entire industry to band together,” said Chris Keyser, WGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chair. “Withholding our labor has proven to be the only way we can force the studios to give us a deal that allows writers to earn a fair, sustainable living at our craft. That said, the WGA is not insensitive to the toll that this work stoppage will take on the entire industry. Our guild’s strike fund is available to help WGA members, but other workers need assistance too. We are encouraging our members who are able to contribute generously to the Entertainment Community Fund, where these grants will provide relief to our fellow film and TV workers who most need it.”
The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) provides emergency financial assistance to individuals in entertainment (including the film and TV community) who meet the needs-based requirements, regardless of their profession within the industry or union affiliation. To donate, visit entertainmentcommunityfund.org/donate and select “Film and Television” from the drop-down menu.
The Entertainment Community Fund also provides human services nationally for people who work in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance. The Fund offers multiple health and wellness, career and life, and housing services to support a life in the arts.
The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) are labor unions representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media, and broadcast news. The Guilds negotiate and administer contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of their members; conduct programs, seminars, and events on issues of interest to writers; and present writers’ views to various bodies of government. For more information on the Writers Guild of America, West, visit www.wga.org. For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit www.wgaeast.org.