Author: Christine Margaret Dodge
It’s no secret that many guild members are holding their breath these days.
The pandemic, and the accompanying double strike by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, has left some professionals working hard in post-production (in every category and at any level) wondering when better prospects will come. , more jobs and growth opportunities. Some try to “make it to 25,” while others get by by working part-time jobs or editing short films.
The Guild’s Eastern District Member Outreach Committee recently held an event to discuss possible solutions, and in addition to Guild-wide support efforts such as the Hardship Relief Fund and paying COBRA benefits, individual members and groups have also been working to help each other.
One thing is clear, though, the entertainment industry as a whole is facing a reckoning that is far greater than the delays caused by the strike. Out-of-control production and post-production are a priority for unions, and laws affecting tax credits in California and New York are critical to helping create and sustain union jobs.
With the November elections behind us, how can member states maintain hope while preparing for the foreseeable future of troubles? What resources are available for those who are working slowly? CineMontage spoke with some Guild members to find out.
How would you describe the state of the industry now?
“Scary and transitional. I think a few years ago, when studios started expanding into streaming services, we saw a spurt in job growth. We seemed to be experiencing the bottom of the ‘grow at all costs’ business model , we’re seeing a lot of movies and TV being greenlit for services that still don’t make money. The services are going through a lot of internal restructuring and layoffs, which could cause movies to take longer to be greenlit than they should after contracts are settled. “
CORY JOHNSEN, Assistant Editor and Visual Effects Editor, New York City
“I think the industry has rebounded since before the Actors/Writers Strike, when our industry employment and number of gigs were at an all-time low. We are definitely not going back to the pre-strike days, and I don’t think we ever will be. That time. I hope more gigs and work come soon or early next year.
LIBYA EL-AMIN, photo editor, Los Angeles
“A significant number of our members are quietly working. Some have been working. They are keeping silent about it on social media to avoid ‘friction’ in front of others who are not working because they understand the difficult times many people are going through. I recently worked at an editorial mixing desk and the response I got was either “I haven’t had a job in X months (a long time)” or “I was immersed in work and reluctantly made it to this mixing desk.” “”
SHIRAN CAROLLYN MILLER, Ace Photo Editor, Los Angeles
How does it compare to other times of crisis/concern?
“I have been working in this industry professionally since 2003 and I have never seen anything like this. This work slowdown is much slower than any other slowdown I have experienced or seen, and it is sustained. It’s also been longer. There has been no rebound since the 2023 strike seemed to begin, and in fact, things seem to be getting worse, not better.
EMILY HSUAN, photo editor, Los Angeles
“My wife has been basically unemployed for a year and a half, and I’ve only worked a few months in the same period, and I’ve talked to a lot of people who are working much less than that. This slowdown is unprecedented. It’s unlike any other crisis. The periods are incomparable.
BRIAN CHANDLER, Unscripted Editor, Burbank
“The only time that really matters compared to this is four years ago during COVID-19. Thankfully, I was on the show when everyone shut down and within two months I was back working until 2023. It didn’t stop until midway through. It was full steam ahead, working from all angles, which allowed me to get into the scripted narrative character. But this time it was different.
MARK ANTHONY BESSLER, Assistant Photo Editor, Los Angeles
What can guild members do to help themselves right now?
“Network has always been the biggest factor in success in this industry. The more you get out and talk to people, the better chance you have of meeting the right person who can change your career. I have had a lot of great mentors and I’m grateful to them for allowing me to use Endless questions to annoy them. I’ve been reaching out to people for coffee/lunch. One thing I’ve missed with the pandemic is the social interaction and interaction that we had at the end of the day. It’s each other.
MARK ANTHONY BESSLER, Assistant Photo Editor, Los Angeles
“I was very frustrated during and after the strike because I couldn’t find TV work at all. I shot a micro-budget feature that I wouldn’t normally be interested in, but that led to my next feature and the one after that … So I would say, don’t be afraid to try new things.
LIBYA EL-AMIN, photo editor, Los Angeles
“I do think it’s difficult but necessary to step outside your normal job opportunities/types of work and explore other opportunities such as corporate work (editing) or even try to do something completely different. In the meantime, take care Your own emotional and mental health is very important.
EMILY HSUAN, photo editor, Los Angeles
“I think now is a great time for people to learn new technologies or learn new programs. Read about artificial intelligence and broaden your skills. Be ready for the next opportunity because once the job comes, it all comes at once.” Shannon Baker Davis , ACE, photo editing, Los Angeles
How can members help each other?
“I think members can best help each other if they hear about job opportunities and recommend colleagues. Additionally, if they are working and feel comfortable, they should contact previous employers they may know and forward resumes and recommendations.
EMILY HSUAN, photo editor, Los Angeles
“If you have the ability, I think the most important way to stay busy is to volunteer. In the past year and a half, I have edited four videos for IATSE and two videos for MPEG. In fact, I recently joined Member Outreach Committee, and as I write this email, I’ve been editing a Ghostbusters parody music video for the Guild about the importance of asking a field representative when you need help.
BRIAN CHANDLER, Burbank Unscripted Photo Editor
“us [music editors] Try to help each other with temporary music and share new techniques together. Someone will say ‘use this program or plug-in’ or ‘this video converting software doesn’t work anymore’ and we’ll keep in touch and check in with each other.
JILLINDA Palmer, music editor, Los Angeles
“My experience in New York may have been different than the average Angeleno, but I’ve always understood that searching for jobs multiple times a year and doing a lot of personal promotion are a big part of the job, so
I think if people can influence recruiting, they can help each other stay strong and keep others in mind. Mutual aid can also be very helpful if people are in distress, and I think it would be helpful to apply this mentality to other areas.
ALAN WERTZ, Assistant Photo Editor, New York City
“For those who are doing well financially and want to help, consider taking a few days off and scheduling
Filled out by people with relevant experience who need the last few hours to qualify for healthcare. A day or two off can mean six months of medical care for the entire family. You can go here to see who needs hours and view their resumes: https://www.editorsguild.com/Member-to-Member/MPI-Hours-Alert. Otherwise, people should donate to our Hardship Relief Fund, which has helped over 100 members in need so far!
SHIRAN CAROLLYN MILLER, Ace Photo Editor, Los Angeles
“I saw a post in the Facebook MPEG group that mentioned the idea of taking time off so that members who needed time could fill it. I know the idea feels a bit dystopian and not ideal, but our insurance issues go beyond the IATSE issue. scope, and affects our entire country, so any idea that helps people who are struggling is a good idea.
CORY JOHNSEN, Assistant Editor and Visual Effects Editor, New York City
Resources and more information for members
Check out MPEG’s Stress Survival Toolkit: https://www.editorsguild. com/Stress-Survival-Kit Learn about dues reductions, alternative health care options and how to apply for (or donate to) the Hardship Relief Fund.
To directly help members in distress, you can sign up for Aid IA, a mutual aid organization founded by three MPEG members: https://sites.google. com/view/aid-ia.com/view/aid-ia.com/view/aid-ia.com/view/aid-ia.com
Reel Wellness: Learn how to make time for your body and mind. Check out training seminars on a variety of topics in the entertainment field.
Community Services: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/enrich-your-career. Watch/listen to a recorded presentation on what to do when you run out of MPI healthcare. Visit the guild’s “labor
Polls’ website to learn more about the Labor-endorsed candidates and find other helpful resources related to advocacy in support of IATSE’s mission of supporting union post-production efforts.
