UNEMPLOYMENT, ANOTHER MAJOR PROBLEM GENERATED BY COVID-19

International production communities are beginning to feel the tough impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 100,000 job losses in the United States alone.

“As social distancing measures are enacted and events and projects across all sectors of the entertainment industry are cancelled, it’s become clear that the Covid-19 crisis requires decisive action from our federal government to support displaced entertainment workers,”  said Matt Loeb, President of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), calling on the US government to offer “emergency relief” for those affected.

Data from the IATSE shows that at least 120,000 below-the-line Hollywood workers have lost their jobs in the shutdowns mandated by the pandemic. That is why the Alliance, which represents over 140,000 people working in TV and film production, has approved a $2.5m donation to support entertainment charities.

On the other side, countless freelance film and TV workers are also suffering a huge impact. A new survey by entertainment union Bectu has found that around 3,000 (46%) respondents have lost money since the outbreak of the pandemic.

From the 5,600 people surveyed, 1,500 respondents provided details of the financial loss. Specifically, 456 reported losing more than £5,000 ($5,793), while 457 reported losing £2,000-£5,000 ($2,317-$5,793), and 591 said they have lost up to £2,000 ($2,317).

Most respondents said estimates for future loss of earnings were difficult because of the uncertainty about the length of potential disruption, but 131 people expect to lose over £40,000 ($46,300), while 437 said they could lose £20,000-£40,000 ($23,000-$46,300) and 783 people estimate they may lose up to £20,000 ($23,000).

In the United Kingdom, the government is facing mounting criticism from creative industries about the financial impact of its advice to the public to stay away from theaters and cinemas. Because the government did not announce a formal ban on mass gatherings or instruct venues to close, as other countries have done, it has left many venues in the difficult situation of having to close down but unable to claim on insurance policies for lost income.