Over 25,000 people have signed a petition calling on the UK government to do more to help film and TV crews impact by the on-going writers and actors strikes.
The petition has already met the target for the government to respond. If it reaches 100,000 signatures it will be debated in parliament.
It states that the UK’s freelance production sector needs financial support and reassurance from the government that they “will not abandon the crew during this crisis”.
“The UK Film and TV industry contributes billions to the economy, and a large proportion of production is based on work from US studios. Current US strikes mean that work has disappeared for many UK freelance crew overnight,” the petition continues.
“There has been no bespoke support for the crew during the strikes. Many are only just recovering financially after Covid and now find themselves again without work. Many are suffering financially and mentally and are having to find work elsewhere. This could have a long-term effect on the entire industry.”
Earlier this week, the UK’s Film and TV Charity reported it saw an 800 per cent increase in requests for financial aid during July.
Meanwhile, a second outside broadcasting company has entered administration.
The Writers Guild of America strike began 2nd May, with SAG-AFTRA members launching their own strike on 14th July.
More details about the petition are available here.
