One year ago, the entertainment industry in Hollywood experienced a significant work stoppage, with the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA unions going on strike at major studios. While both unions eventually reached new three-year deals, the industry is still grappling with the aftermath.
Despite the resolution of the strikes, production levels have not fully recovered. In fact, a sustained pattern of decline that began before the strikes was only exacerbated in the second half of last year. Production in the U.S. was down 40% in Q2 2024 compared to pre-strike levels, and globally, it's down 16%. This, combined with the financial pressures on studios from streaming costs and the need to reduce debt, has led to widespread job cuts across the industry.
In response to these challenges, the various Hollywood unions have mobilized to provide mental health resources and support for their members. The Entertainment Community Fund, Motion Picture and Television Fund, and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation offer a range of services, including assessment, counseling, financial assistance, and career retraining.
Each union has also taken steps to support its members' mental health. The Writers Guild of America has a comprehensive guide to navigating job loss and unemployment, as well as a resource hub with information on various assistance programs. The Directors Guild of America's health plan covers a range of mental health services, and the union also offers interest-free loans and emergency relief grants.
The Teamsters Motion Picture Division and IATSE provide access to employee assistance programs, counseling sessions, and coverage for inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment through the Motion Picture Industry Health and Pension Plans. IATSE also works with the Behind The Scenes charity to help members find therapists familiar with the entertainment industry.
SAG-AFTRA's health plan offers comprehensive behavioral health benefits, including a 24-hour helpline and a content library with educational resources on mental health issues and treatments.
Overall, the Hollywood unions are making concerted efforts to support their members' mental well-being during this challenging time for the industry.