Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1530856
30 C I N E M O N T A G E F E A T U R E TOUGH ALL OVER IN AN UNPRECEDENTED WORK SLOWDOWN, HERE'S HOW MEMBERS ARE MANAGING By Kristin Marguerite Doidge I t's no secret that many Guild members are holding their breath these days. T h e l i n g e r i n g i m p a c t s o f t h e pandemic followed by the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have left some of the hardworking pros in postproduction—in every classification and at any level — won- dering when there will be better prospects, more work, and opportunities for growth. Some are trying to "survive until '25," while others are taking part-time jobs or cutting short films to get by. The Guild's Eastern Region Membership O u t re a c h C o m m i tte e re ce n t ly h e l d a n event to discuss possible solutions, and in addition to Guild-wide supportive efforts such as the Hardship Relief Fund and paid COBRA benefits, individual members and small groups have been working hard to help each other out. One thing that's clear, though, is that the entertainment industry as a whole is facing a reckoning that's far bigger than just delays from the strikes. Runaway pro- duction and postproduction are top of mind for the Guild, and laws that affect California and New York tax credits are of critical importance to help create and maintain union jobs. With the November election now in the rearview mirror, how can members maintain hope while possibly preparing to be in limbo for the foreseeable future? What resources are available for those experienc- ing a slowdown in work, and how can those who are working support their colleagues? CineMontage spoke to a number of Guild members to find out. I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y C L A R K M I T C H E L L