Greg Berlanti, the TV series producer behind Greg Berlanti Prods., is stepping up to provide financial relief to support staff and below-the-line workers affected by Hollywood’s ongoing strikes.
Berlanti has committed $500,000 for a strike relief fund that will specifically benefit those who have worked on his company’s projects. The Hollywood Reporter broke this story.
In addition to his donation, Berlanti is doubling down on his support for the Entertainment Community Fund and the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), each receiving $150,000. These organizations play a crucial role in supporting industry professionals in times of need. Berlanti has requested that these donations be earmarked for support staff and below-the-line workers.
The announcement of Berlanti’s financial contributions comes at a time when Hollywood is grappling with dual strikes, with members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA walking picket lines. These strikes have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, causing financial strain for many workers.
In a letter sent to his staffers, Berlanti expressed his commitment to helping those affected by the strikes and emphasized the importance of offering immediate assistance during challenging times. He noted that not knowing when jobs might return creates both financial and emotional hardships for many in the industry.
Read Berlanti’s full letter:
“Dear Fellow Co-Workers,
I hope wherever you are, you and your family or loved ones are safe and healthy. Obviously, we are living in an unprecedented moment in modern history. The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating lives, nations and businesses around the world, including our own.”
That’s how I started my last email of this kind, three years ago in the heart of the pandemic, to let everyone know what our company was doing to try and help people. I never thought that within three years I would have to write a note of a similar nature, but as the WGA strike stretches into the fourth month, and with SAG joining the picket lines in July, once again I wanted to reach out and offer as much immediate help as we can.
As I said during the pandemic, I realize not knowing when your job might return creates a significant financial and emotional hardship for many. Also, I know many of our coworkers have barely caught their financial breath since that time. It is very important to me, and everyone at Berlanti Productions, that we are doing all that we can to help you during this moment. Early in the strike, like many others in my position, I donated to the Entertainment Community Fund. I will be making additional donations of 150,000 to that fund and the same amount to the Motion Picture & Television Fund — two amazing organizations I am incredibly proud to be associated with and that represent the best qualities of our business. I will be asking for that money to be earmarked for support staff and below-the-line workers. I implore other industry workers in a fortunate enough situation to give what they can to these organizations today.
REELated:
This move by Berlanti follows a similar $500,000 strike relief fund established by Ryan Murphy, another prominent figure in the entertainment industry, to support workers who have contributed to his company’s shows.
Berlanti’s announcement coincides with reports that his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group has been suspended due to the ongoing strikes. Several other high-profile industry figures, including J.J. Abrams, Chuck Lorre, Bill Lawrence, John Wells, and Mindy Kaling, find themselves in similar situations as they navigate the challenges posed by the strikes.
As Hollywood’s dual strikes continue, the support from industry leaders like Berlanti and Murphy offers a lifeline to the dedicated workers who make the entertainment industry thrive. Their contributions to strike relief funds and established organizations demonstrate a commitment to helping those in need during these challenging times.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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