Desperate times call for desperate measures amid the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strike in Hollywood. To help union rank and file survive, celebrities have taken to auctioning off their time for a good cause.
Key Takeaway
Celebrities are auctioning off their time and unique experiences to raise funds for Hollywood crews affected by the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strike. The proceeds will support members of IATSE and Teamsters who are currently unable to qualify for health insurance due to the lack of work opportunities. Despite the strike, some television shows have resumed production, while others have faced criticism for returning without writers.
Union Solidarity Coalition Auctions
The Union Solidarity Coalition, a group of actors and writers, has organized a series of eBay listings to raise funds for Hollywood crews affected by the shutdown. Various celebrities have offered unique experiences to the highest bidders.
Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and comedian Sarah Silverman are both providing “20 Mins and 20 Questions” sessions to lucky fans. Meanwhile, Natasha Lyonne is offering to help someone “Solve the New York Times Sunday Crossword,” which has already reached a bidding price of over $2,000.
Other notable opportunities include hanging out virtually with the casts of popular shows like “Bones” or “New Girl,” commissioning a watercolor portrait of your dog from actor John Lithgow, and having actor Adam Scott walk your pets. There are also in-person dinner experiences with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross available for those in Los Angeles and New York.
In addition, signed memorabilia from famous movies such as “Star Wars,” “Knives Out,” “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Bear” are also up for auction.
Supporting IATSE and Teamster Members
The money raised from these auctions will go towards supporting members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and Teamsters who are currently unable to qualify for health insurance due to the lack of work opportunities. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to thousands of crew members who have been greatly affected by the ongoing strike.
Recent Developments in the Strike
While the strike continues to disrupt the entertainment industry, some television shows have resumed production. Talk shows like “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Talk,” “The View,” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” have returned despite the ongoing shutdown.
Television host and comedian Bill Maher has also faced criticism for bringing back his show, “Real Time.” While Maher pledges to honor the “spirit of the strike,” the show will temporarily operate in a panel format without writers until the strike concludes.
