Resources For Returning to Production During Covid-19
Production has slowly started re-opening worldwide in the last few weeks, which comes as welcome news to all of us itching to get back to work. In the spirit of working together and helping you get back on your feet, we’ve compiled a list of resources for you as we all return to production and navigate this entirely new territory. Check out how you can take advantage of different union funds and get helpful industry updates below.
Here’s what unions are offering:
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has launched a COVID-19 disaster fund to provide emergency financial assistance to all current SAG-AFTRA members. The fund has distributed $1.7 million in emergency aid nationwide so far, and is still accepting applications. Apply at https://sagaftra.foundation/assistance/disasterrelief/.
If you’re a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, the union’s health plan has waived costs for Covid-19 testing, a necessity for you to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. For those in need of medical, financial, or emotional assistance, you can also see if you are eligible for the WGAW Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Loans by calling (323) 634-3888. More info about receiving assistance from the WGA Emergency Loan Fund available here: https://www.wga.org/members/finances/good-welfare-emergency-assistance-loans
The Director’s Guild Foundation has also created an emergency relief fund with financial grants of up to $1,000, while the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans also is offering premium-free COBRA coverage and supplemental pension plan loans. For questions regarding eligibility, you can call (323) 866-2200, Ext. 502, and in the meantime, visit https://www.dga.org/The-Guild/Coronavirus-Resources-and-Updates.aspx for the latest Covid-19 related updates.
As Hollywood producers continue to seek union approval to resume production, the Producers Guild of America unveiled its latest health and safety guidelines for production amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
For resources by location:
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health has issued guidelines, effective June 12th, for the resumption of live-action production! Read the protocols here to see the safest way to get back to work with your crew. FilmLA has also since begun accepting applications for film permits, with a regularly updated list of LA cities and their filming status here: https://www.filmla.com/covid-19/#status.
For our New York friends, check out the New York Production Alliance website for the best way to stay informed about film industry news and file your assistance requests. Here you’ll find all kinds of resources specifically for those working in media, with links to national grants and online workshops augmented for coping with Covid-19 through Creative Capital: https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/13/list-of-arts-resources-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/.
The City of Austin has put together guidance for getting back into production, with tips for a healthy workplace and even checklists for office-based employees: https://www.austintexas.org/film-commission/covid19/ . You’ll also find the city of Austin and Texas state resources here, with every link possible to updates on recovery policies and loans to help individuals, businesses, and non-profits recover from the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For government assistance:
If you are interested in or need a loan, the Small Business Association “provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters”: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For those located in Los Angeles County, see if you’re eligible for the Los Angeles City Small Business Emergency Microloan Program to receive assistance to help strengthen your small business enterprise!
You can also check out some more nationwide opportunities for emergency funds at nyfa.org, specifically put together by the NY Foundation for the Arts to help those impacted by Covid.
If you’re in Georgia and looking to stay involved in the community, check out Georgia Council for the Arts for the latest information for art and nonprofit organizations. Here you’ll find news about the entertainment industry, tips for working remotely, and get support from fellow freelance workers and artists in the included webinars.
