In a gesture of support, Hollywood creator Ryan Murphy is extending a lifeline to assist both past and present cast and crews under his employ facing financial hardship amidst the ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy announced the creation of the “Ryan Murphy Productions Assistance Fund” with a $500,000 donation. The fund aims to help the cast and crew of Ryan Murphy Productions who are facing difficulties during these challenging times. Murphy made the announcement on Instagram and those who need help can apply through a dedicated website.
As one of Hollywood’s most prolific creators in both television and film, Murphy’s contribution has the potential to benefit thousands of industry professionals grappling with financial strains caused by the strikes.
In his Instagram post, Murphy shared his heartfelt sentiments, stating, “Every story we’ve woven, each character brought to life, and every set constructed carry with them an inimitable thread of collaboration. As my colleagues face the challenges brought forth by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the imperative to support each other is even more pronounced.”
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He expressed optimism about the industry’s resilience, “Together, we will navigate through this chapter and before long, we’ll once again create, inspire, and innovate within the industry we love.”
The strikes in Hollywood began with members of the Writers Guild of America on May 2, following an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Subsequently, members of SAG-AFTRA joined the picket lines on July 14, leading to a widespread work stoppage in the entertainment capital.
Murphy’s decision to establish the Assistance Fund precedes the premiere of his latest project, American Horror Story: Delicate, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne, Billie Lourd, and Matt Czuchry, among others.
The filming of the FX series was marked by WGA pickets, stemming from a disagreement involving East Coast strike captain Warren Leight. During this period, Murphy was also concurrently producing shows like American Sports Story and American Horror Stories on the East Coast.
Known for his philanthropic endeavors, Murphy has consistently extended support to Hollywood professionals in times of need. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, he matched a $100,000 donation from Netflix to aid the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
He also collaborated with the Actors Fund (now known as the Entertainment Community Fund) to organize an auction to assist those facing unemployment during the pandemic. Additionally, Murphy made a substantial personal donation of $10 million to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Ryan Murphy Productions has made many TV shows, like Nip/Tuck, Glee, Hollywood, Halston, The Prom,The Politician, American Horror Story, Feud, Scream Queens, Ratched, American Crime Story, The Watcher, The Normal Heart, and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. People who worked on these shows can ask for help from a new fund.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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