A year in the past, the movie industry in Los Angeles was hit by a momentous disruption, as two prominent unions – the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA – commenced a strike at all the significant film studios in the city. Despite both unions ultimately securing new three-year contracts, the music and TV sectors are grappling with the aftermath. A majority of production employees, in the course of the previous year, held on to the hope of a revival in job opportunities, following the conclusion of over hundred-day-long negotiations. However, this anticipation has not come to pass owing to a host of factors.
An ongoing trend of diminishing production, which originated before the strikes were enforced, saw a further downturn in the latter part of the past year. An unprecedented drop in production in the U.S., the rate being down by a staggering 40% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to its state prior to the strikes, was revealed in a recent analysis by ProdPro. The worldwide decline session stands at 16%.
Consequently, with the mounting increase in streaming costs at studios and the overarching need at the top executive levels to decrease the debilitating burden of debt, has culminated in massive layoffs throughout the industry. Post the resolution of the strikes, the sweeping adoption of AI appears to render these job cuts more permanent in some sectors.
Deadline has compiled a collection of mental health resources to assist union members of Hollywood in need of support during these challenging times. All the unions in Hollywood endorse the Entertainment Community Fund, which presents a variety of mental health services for entertainment professionals. These include an assessment to ascertain the resources best suited to the individual’s basic needs.
The Motion Picture and Television Fund and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation are two established institutions that possess an extensive list of resources for members in need. These services offer consultations to evaluate an individual’s needs, and provide guidance, representation, and counselling. They also extend temporary financial support for medicinal charges, diagnostic procedures, health insurance, in addition to offering career counselling and skilling.
Unemployment Support Guide – The Writers Guild of America (WGA) presents a comprehensive three-part guide that navigates through the process of job loss and enduring unemployed periods. Its spectrum encompasses every stage from preserving WGA membership amidst unemployment, to obtaining financial aid and seeking new job opportunities.
Resource Hub – Despite the strike being called off, the WGA’s resource hub, which was set up last year, is still operational. An individual hunting for help can begin their search here. The hub is a comprehensive, go-to location that houses dozens of assistance programs.
The WGA Health Plan offers a multitude of options for mental health coverage, including immediate care. The plan encompasses continued therapy, in accordance with federal law, and medication for mental health conditions. Telemedicine, which allows for virtual face-to-face appointments with licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists for a nominal charge, is also an available alternative.
The DGA Health Plan provided by the Directors Guild of America encompasses a range of mental health services. Alongside ongoing outpatient therapy, members can avail resources such as inpatient hospital stays, mental health and substance abuse intensive outpatient treatment, specific prescription drugs, partial hospitalization, and residential care.
The Directors Guild Foundation also lends interest-free loans to any member in financial distress. Furthermore, the recently established DGA Emergency Relief Fund offers grants of $1,000 to individuals in a financial crisis.
The Human Rights & Diversity Commission set up by the Teamsters Motion Picture Division makes an array of resources available to members, and ensures their visibility. Under the aegis of the Motion Picture Industry Health and Pension Plans, members have the advantage of 24/7 consultation with an employee assistance program representative, whether or not they have current coverage, for determining the best course of action.
The MPI plans allow members to avail up to five free counselling sessions per issue, annually. In addition to facilitating conversation, the MPI also offers resources such as videos and informative articles to keep members updated about diverse issues ranging from anxiety, depression, anger, substance use, family concerns, and more.
SAG-AFTRA provides a comprehensive Health Plan that includes extensive behavioural health benefits through Carelon. A round-the-clock helpline provides immediate help for stress, anxiety, depression and also referrals for therapy. Efforts in dealing with mental health crises or substance abuse disorders are also incorporated into this plan. Additionally, a content library, featuring informative videos and tools to learn more about specific mental health problems and treatment, is readily accessible.