2023-08-17 20:56:07
In Hollywood, screenwriters and actors have been on strike for more than three months. Negotiations are not progressing and the financial situation becomes difficult for the strikers.
“At a standstill, everything closed, Hollywood is unionized!” On the picket line, in front of the Universal studios, the motivation is intact.
Jimmy Clabots is a screenwriter. He has been demonstrating almost every day since the strike began in May. But without income related to his writing, he had to find extra jobs. “I am an escort for women: I accompany them during social obligations, or for romantic dates”, he testifies, Thursday in the 7:30 p.m. of the RTS. Jimmy Clabots is also a physiotherapist and supports detoxification patients.
All to hold out until the end of the strike and make the studios bend. But the strike, Jimmy Clabots and the others don’t do it just for themselves. “There are many unions in the world trying to defend themselves against the greed of multinationals. It’s the same for us. We all want to survive,” explains the screenwriter.
>> Read also: On the 100th day of their strike, Hollywood screenwriters blast the studios
A kitty
Among the thousands of screenwriters and actors on strike, not all of them have necessarily landed a temporary job. Their survival then sometimes depends on solidarity.
Joelle Garfinkel is also a screenwriter. On her computer, she lists the people she helps, via her initiative, called the “Green Envelope”. A fund, fueled by private donations, which gives $100 to strikers who request it.
“There were people who couldn’t pay a bill, these 100 dollars allowed them to do it, or they had no more provisions, she says. There is even a lady who wrote to me that her cat only had one bag of food left, and that helped her buy some.”
Two thousand people have already asked for help from Joelle Garfinkel and her “Green Envelope”.
The bill paid by Drew Carey
Other initiatives exist. The Swingers, a well-known restaurant in Los Angeles has become a haven for screenwriters. “All the writers can come and have a free meal with a drink. They just have to bring their union card and their ID, and we’ll take care of the bill, including the tip”, describes the owner Stephanie Wilson.
The rating is supported by star actor and host of “The Right Price” show Drew Carey. It costs him more than 10,000 dollars a week, a godsend for screenwriters.
“It helps a lot, a lot of people can’t afford a meal, or their rent right now, because they’re not working. It’s a sacrifice!” Says Michael Buechler, screenwriter.
Aviva Fried/rehearsal
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