The Writers Guild strike has hit the entertainment industry hard, with many industry members struggling to make ends meet. The Motion Picture & Television Fund has seen a “significant spike” in requests for financial assistance since the strike began on May 2nd. Jennifer Jorge, MPTF’s Director of Community Social Services, says that they have received over 40 new intakes on high days, a stark difference from the 10-15 calls they typically receive. That’s 40 individuals who are calling in distress and experiencing a crisis.
Since the start of the strike, MPTF has spoken with over 500 members of the entertainment community, with over 64% inquiring about services related to the work stoppage, namely financial assistance. New requests for financial assistance account for 36% of the total requests, which is a 39% increase from around this time in 2022. Most of those who have contacted MPTF for assistance are non-writers, with 33% being members of IATSE.
MPTF has a long history of providing charitable assistance to industry members and their families. Since the start of the year, they have provided direct services to over 2,000 industry members. During the WGA strike of 2007-2008, MPTF provided over $1.1 million in grants of financial assistance to members of all unions and guilds who met their eligibility criteria.
“We are a human services organization, and we offer a broad spectrum of programs and services,” says Jorge. “Help begins the instant an industry professional contacts us. Although the majority of community industry members are coming to the MPTF expressing a need for financial assistance due to the strike, our 100+-year history of providing charitable assistance has taught us that if you are concerned or experiencing distress about your financial wellness, you are likely experiencing stress in other areas of your life, such as your relationships, your physical and mental health.”
MPTF provides assistance relating to mental health needs, loss or threat of loss of health insurance, illness and disability related to changes in physical health or a new life-altering medical diagnosis, retirement-related issues, and coping with the death of a loved one. They also offer workshops for community members to learn about state and federal benefits as well as how to manage their stress during the strike.
“When you reach out to MPTF, you’re going to have a one-on-one confidential conversation with a social worker who is going to listen and hear what is going on for you,” adds Jorge. “Together we are going to co-create the next steps and explore how MPTF can help. That help might look like us providing support and a listening ear, finding and linking an industry member to a key community resource, advocating for their needs, connecting them to a support group, or helping access what benefits they may be eligible for. We work closely with each person to assess their situation. As everyone’s situation is unique, the grant amounts vary based on need. MPTF is dedicated to helping those in the film and television industry, and you don’t have to be part of a union, local, or guild to receive services.”
