Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1262492
47 S U M M E R Q 2 I S S U E F E A T U R E the house. I have the occasional video chat with friends and family, which keeps me going. I'm binge-watching everything I didn't have time to watch before, but I can only do that between the kids' bed- time and about 2 am when I have to forgo my "me time" for some sleep time. Q Have you investigated any financial assistance programs? I received an SBA Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Loan, so I'm able to pay myself a reduced salary. But I'm anxious, because that program is not indefinite. I'll need to get back to work soon. Q The toughest part has been: Being home day in and day out. I'm pretty social and like to be out and about, and I miss work, too, because I miss using my creative/analytical side. Q I've kept my sanity by: Can't say that I've kept it. Won't know until we're on the other side of this. Leander Sales P I C T U R E E D I T O R Q What was your professional situa- tion when you realized a shutdown was coming? I was preparing to teach an editing class at UCLA when the pandemic start- ed. I had to get familiar with Zoom. I do miss teaching in the classroom, but Zoom will do for now. Q Are you set up to be able to work from home? I'm able to work from home when I'm editing, but currently I'm teaching so I'm not required to use a lot of editing equipment. I'll be teaching until the end of June. Then I'll see how difficult things will be with unemployment insurance. Q What has your personal quarantine situation been like? I'm quarantined with my two teenage sons. They 're doing their classes on Zoom. We cook a lot and talk more. After finishing their schoolwork we all watch TV and Netflix, sometimes together and sometimes separately. We've also gotten their grandmother to use WhatsApp vid- eo chat. I have relatives and friends who work in hospitals, and I pray for them every day. Q Any suggestions you would share with other members? Working in post is an easy transition to working at home. We should be com- pensated for using our own equipment and the electricity it takes to run the equipment. I'm also very curious to see what the isolation does to us as a society. Personally, coronavirus has given me a greater appreciation for all the things I took for granted, starting with life, trusting other people, the air I breathe, the things I touch. Myra Lopez A N I M AT I O N E D I T O R Q What was your professional situa- tion when you realized a shutdown was coming? I was wrapping up a normal workday (as lead editor on Netflix's "Maya and the Three") when the studio announced it would shut down temporarily as news of the pandemic spread. I went home and awaited instructions on what would happen next. Then the state announced everyone would shelter-in-place. Shortly after that announcement, we were told the studio was working on getting us set up to work from home. It took about a week and half to get set up. I live in a bungalow and have now converted my breakfast nook into my office. Q What has your personal and professional quarantine situation been like? I'm quarantining alone. I am trying to keep a normal schedule so that I don't suffer when I do have to physically go back into the office. I usually wake up early, make coffee, check email and work on episodes. When I need a break, I go outside and work on my backyard. Q The toughest part has been: It has been very difficult to be away from family. I have a family member with a weak immune system. Caring for them and getting them treatment for their con- dition has been challenging during this time. I also have a sister I worry about that works at an emergency room and an urgent care. SEE PAGE 65