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Pandemic Resources

For the benefit of our members who are being impacted by the current situation, we have collected links to some of the resources that may be of assistance.

Member Resources > Pandemic Resources

This list will be updated as we learn of additional resources. Latest items are marked NEW. Updated 5.24.21.

How to Talk to Your Kids About the News and Protect Their Sense of Safety This guide can help parents navigate the best ways to have difficult conversations with their children during stressful and challenging times.

Support Black-owned Businesses

NEW Show your support by patronizing a Black-owned business. With over 181 listings, you will find a wide range of products and services - and you will help provide some much-needed stability to business owners that have been hit hard by the pandemic. In addition, you will be laying a foundation to continue to support Black businesses after this crisis is over.

Working from Home Resources


Working from Home Resources in California

Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force
White Paper

  • Guidelines for consideration and adoption for the resumption of motion picture, television, and streaming productions in an environment that minimizes the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

Thank a Front-Line Hero

  • The Dear Heroes Project helps students show support for those working on the frontlines. This online platform allows students (pre-K – College) send thank you letters to healthcare workers on the frontlines of medical relief efforts. Bring motivation and smiles to the front line and let them know their hard work and dedication is not going unnoticed!

Professional Development

Entertainment Industry

  • Women in Film has launched Hire Her Back, an initiative to call on entertainment companies to continue to seek gender and racial equality as the industry looks to return to film and TV production after the COVID-19 shutdown. Find ways you can help and support.

Just need a distraction?

Entertainment

  • Storyline Online, presented by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, features actors reading to children

  • Sundance Now is offering 30 days free with Promo Code SUNDANCENOW30 (use the promo code to bump the free trial from 7 to 30 days). Watch a mix of original and exclusive dramas, comedies, and true crime series, plus award-winning movies in every genre. If you want to subscribe, commercial-free plans start at $5 per month.

  • Urban Movie Channel is offering 30 days free with Promo Code UMCFREE30 (use the code to bump the free trial from 7 to 30 days). Watch the best in Black film and television with new and exclusive content added weekly. UMC offers a mix of classic sitcoms and movies, plus original series, documentaries, and more.

  • Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner created #SAVEWITHSTORIES. Watch your favorite celebrities read children's books on Instagram and Facebook.

  • Josh Gad, "Frozen's" Olaf, is reading great children's stories for ten minutes each night on Twitter. Gad uses his acting chops to read in character voices. Fun for children as well as parents.

  • Free books for kids on Audible. As long as schools are closed, kids can stream an incredible collection of stories (across six different languages) for free.

  • Even adults need distraction and BroadwayHD is offering you a 7 day free trial, so you can watch your favorite plays and musicals while quarantined.

  • Watch your favorite movies and shows at the same time — wherever you are. Netflix 'Party' Extension lets you have a remote movie night by syncing accounts.

  • There are a lot of free and fun online options you can access with your L.A. Library Card!

  • J.K. Rowling launches Harry Potter At Home online hub for kids, teachers & fans. The hub will include contributions from Bloomsbury and Scholastic, nifty magical craft videos (teach your friends how to draw a Niffler!), fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and plenty more for first-time readers, as well as those already familiar with the wizarding world. "We're casting a Banishing Charm on boredom!"

If you are working at home or unable to work due to a closed workplace or production, and experiencing any type of hardship:

Financial Resources

  • MPIPH is allowing participants to take a one-time hardship withdrawal of up to $20,000 from their Individual Account Plans "due to adverse financial consequences from the Coronavirus Pandemic." $200 or more can be withdrawn, up to 20% of a participant's 2018 account balance, or a maximum of $20,000 – whichever is less. Read all of the requirements here.

  • Hollywood's Teamsters Local 399 has approved allocating $500,000 from the local's treasury for an Emergency Relief Fund to assist members who have found themselves in extreme financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund will be administered by the Motion Picture & Television Fund. FAQs can be found here.

  • Behind the Scenes will accept applications from anyone who has been hospitalized with Covid-19 and is in financial need. You may be eligible for a grant if you are seriously ill or injured and currently reside in the United States or Canada and have earned your living for at least five years in the entertainment technology industry.

  • The fund will reopen on October 15, 2020 on a first come, first served basis for eligible applicants. PEN American Writer's Emergency Fund is for professional writers. The fund will distribute grants of $500 to $1,000 based on applications that demonstrate an inability to meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • WGAW Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Loans will provide temporary emergency financial assistance for current members and post-current members of the WGAW.

  • The Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans is again extending health benefits to below-the-line workers who came up just short of qualifying when the pandemic shutdown hit. Those who fell even shorter but can prove that they had promises of work will also get to keep their health coverage through November. For those whose qualifying period ended March 21 and had 375 or more hours worked or banked but less than the 400 needed to qualify, can visit here for additional information.

  • ITVS has webinars to help you apply for federal relief programs. If you or your business have been affected by the current pandemic, help is available via federally-funded relief programs. To learn about them, apply for unemployment and more, check out the recordings, including one with ASL interpretation.

  • The Actors Fund and the Actors Fund of Canada are not just for actors; they support everyone in the entertainment industry, including IATSE members. Check here to determine if you qualify for emergency assistance.

  • Motion Picture Television Fund offers emergency financial assistance to qualified industry members, including IATSE.

  • SAG-AFTRA Foundation and SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF) provide disaster funds for eligible SAG-AFTRA members.

  • Musicians Local 47 Emergency aid to Los Angeles Musicians Union members who are unemployed due to coronavirus shutdown.

  • Billboard Guide for Music Professionals Lists dozens of national and local resources.

  • Local 600 website (Cinematographers Guild) provides information for members.

  • WGA Health Plan Now Covers online doctor visits to combat coronavirus.

  • The IRS has established steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

  • The DGA and Directors Guild Foundation provide information and aid for members; the DGA-Producer Health Plan waived Coronoavirus testing charges and now covers online doctor visits. In addition, the DGA recently launched a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to aid members facing financial challenges. Members affected by the industry's shutdown can apply for $1,000 financial relief grants via MPTF. If you are a member in search of assistance, please call the MPTF intake line at 323-634-3888.

  • Behind the Scenes provides financial assistance to the entertainment technology industry professionals who are seriously ill or injured. Grants may be used for basic living and medical expenses.

  • Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation assists pioneers of the motion picture industry who find themselves in need. Additional information on specific services are also available.

  • Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Community Services (AFL-CIO) provides a safety net for the labor movement, whether it be through the food program, disaster relief fund, or financial literacy.

  • Los Angeles' Safer at Home FAQ page can help you learn what you must do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • The Los Angeles Unified School District is offering free nutritious meals for children at 60 Grab & Go Food Centers located throughout the city between 7:00am - 10:00am. Students will have to pick up meals from a school site if they are not yet attending.

  • The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) has launched the COVID-19 Response Fund to help individuals and communities affected by the coronavirus crisis.

  • The Producers Guild of America Member Relief Fund has been created to help members in need of emergency financial help due to the coronavirus crisis by providing help of up to $1000 to qualifying members. Apply for aid at actorsfund.org/gethelp. Conversely, if you are able to help support the fund, you may do so at actorsfund.org/PGA.

  • IATSE C.A.R.E.S. has been created to organize aid for the most vulnerable - elderly and disabled members. The initiative establishes a "Buddy System", where members in need may request assistance. Please visit iatsecares.org to find out more, request assistance or volunteer.

  • The CARES Act passed by Congress will provide $260 billion in enhanced and expanded unemployment insurance (UI) to thousands of entertainment workers throughout the country who are being furloughed, laid off, or find themselves without work due to COVID-19.
    To help you navigate UI or the benefits provided by the CARES Act, here are some links that are helpful:

  • ITVS has webinars to help you apply for federal relief programs. If you or your business have been affected by the current pandemic, help is available via federally-funded relief programs. To learn about them, apply for unemployment and more, check out the recordings, including one with ASL interpretation. UPDATE 4/3/21 Firelight Media, IDA, and ITVS hosted a series of hour-long webinars covering the basics of applying for the various SBA programs.

  • Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

  • Find out if you can get some relief from your bank (Forbes)


Expert Advice

  • We need data, facts, and science to defeat COVID-19, so One World is launching #PassTheMic. Each day, celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Danai Gurira, Hugh Jackman and many more will hand over their social media channels to experts who can help us beat this global pandemic.


Take Action


Financial Resources in California

  • Employment Development Department (EDD) offers expedited unemployment benefits to those in California's entertainment industry who have lost their job due to the coronavirus.

  • Caring for an ill or quarantined family member? You may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).

  • If you're unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness or got sick on the job, you may qualify for paid sick leave, Disability Insurance, or Workers Compensation.

  • Has your business been impacted? Get the help you need to take care of you and your employees.

  • United Way of Greater Los Angeles has created a Pandemic Relief Fund to support L.A. County's unsheltered residents who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, and low-income individuals, students and families at imminent risk of homelessness and hardships due to health and economic impacts of coronavirus.


Community Information

  • Those who live in the greater Los Angeles area can keep informed and get honest and helpful information via daily emails or by attending community conference calls. Each area of Los Angeles has a dedicated representative in the Mayor's Office. Enter your address or select your location on the map to learn more about your area representative and how to connect.

  • For those of you in Glendale, check daily updated information on your city's Emergency home page.

  • For members in Pasadena, you can subscribe to email updates at Coronavirus Information.


Food Delivery Resources


Food Resources in California

  • Kensington Caterers, one of the Academy's regular vendors, is launching a Home Delivery Service providing Family Dinner Packages or al la carte items. Delivery takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays and the delivery fee is $25.00 within a 1-2 hour window. Peruse the menu and order or for additional information or special orders please send email to information@kensingtoncaterers.com.

  • Patina Restaurant Group has created the menu for the Emmy Awards Governors Ball for the past 24 years. They are offering these delivery options:

  • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provides meals for families and children struggling with hunger in the community. They can provide assistance with meals or you can help to support those in need.

  • Savore Supply an in-home kitchen restocking service will deliver to your home, using their signature hermetically-sealed ultra-sanitary packaging method. (Los Angeles only)

  • Curtis Stone's pop-up market offers prepared meals and grocery items for delivery or curb-side pick up. (Los Angeles only)

  • Project Angel Food prepares and delivers healthy meals to feed people impacted by serious illness, bringing comfort and hope every day. Find help or ways in which you can provide assistance.

Food Resources in New York and select cities in New Jersey

  • Invisible Hands is an organization of volunteers that provides safe, free delivery of groceries, medicine and supplies.



Discover recipes from the Television Academy - from our culinary partners, our staff, and sent in by members!

Mental Wellness Resources

  • Good Housekeeping offers 15 Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Stress and Increase Calm. Practice simple techniques and exercises to help improve mental clarity and curb anxiety.

  • Help seniors beat the loneliness of social isolation with a few laughs. COMEDIANS ON CALL is a phone helpline to connect seniors with comedians and improv artists, giving them a chance to chuckle and laugh together during this social pandemic.

  • Family Health Forum Senator Anthony J. Portantino and PTA President Diane Hyland are joined by four local Marriage and Family Therapists to discuss the importance of mental health and how individuals, especially families, can manage stress during this period of uncertainty with COVID-19.

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Behind the Scenes Charity launched Be Scene - Be Heard, a 24/7 anonymous peer to peer chat app for entertainment professionals. In these challenging times, it may be easier to talk to a peer who you don't know, but is in the industry and understands and can relate to what you are going through. If you join now you will receive access through July 2020. After that it's just $0.99 per month.

  • Behind the Scenes Charity has created a mental health and suicide prevention initiative portal that includes resources and a self-assessment tool. As of 04/21, an Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder has been added. The Finder only includes listings for mental health professionals who have previously worked with clients in the entertainment industry or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves.

  • If you are feeling anxious and uncertain during this time, Calm is providing free tools to help you take better care of yourself and stay grounded. Enjoy meditations, sleep stories, music and more to support your mental and emotional wellness through this time. Check back regularly as they'll continually be updating resources.

  • 16 Awesome Zoo and Aquarium Livestreams to Boost Your Mood.

If you are staying at home with school-age children:

Resources for working with children

  • Learn from home through free, online tutoring at Learning Lodge. Support for young students who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as students struggling with online classes, families with health care or essential workers, families with financial struggles, or families experiencing other difficulties.

  • Varsity Tutors is offering free classes throughout the end of summer 2020 to help students and families affected by COVID-19.

  • Virtual School Day: Over 100 live K-12 classes available to provide your child with enriched learning. "Intro to Spanish", "Coolest Women in History", "Java Programming Basics" and "The Story of Your Favorite Fairy Tales" are just a few of the popular classes.

  • Save The Children has helpful hints and suggestions on talking to children about the coronavirus, plus activities, learning opportunities and more resources.

  • The Fred Rogers Center also offers tips on explaining this challenging time to children.

  • Khan Academy can help with remote learning during school closures.

  • Los Angeles County Library is offering temporary digital cards to use for all online resources, including watching television and movies.

  • AT-HOME LEARNING PBS SoCal and KCET, in partnership with LAUSD, are offering broadcast programming and accompanying digital resources that adhere to California's state curriculum by grade level, to provide continued at-home learning.

  • Red Nose Day, the campaign to end child poverty, has free school lesson plans, developed with Scholastic, to help children build empathy while practicing core ELA and math skills.

  • Scholastic's Learn at Home Program provides day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking and growing for $5.99/month.

  • Crash Course YouTube Channel has courses like Astronomy, US History and Anatomy, along with an awesome variety of AP high school curriculum topics. You can also take Film Studies, Government and Ecology – all featuring a variety of hosts who are at your service, so you won't even notice you're getting smarter.

  •  J.K. Rowling launches Harry Potter At Home online hub for kids, teachers & fans. The hub will include contributions from Bloomsbury and Scholastic, nifty magical craft videos (teach your friends how to draw a Niffler!), fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and plenty more for first-time readers, as well as those already familiar with the wizarding world. "We're casting a Banishing Charm on boredom!"

  • Daniel Radcliffe reads the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone/Sorcerer's Stone, as part of Harry Potter At Home. Eddie Redmayne, Stephen Fry and others have read the next chapters of the first book - and there will be more big names to come. Register with the Harry Potter Fan Club to get updates on further video readings.


A message from your colleagues: We are in this together.

 updated 5.24.21

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