Seth MacFarlane is once again making a generous donation to the Entertainment Community Fund.
The prolific creator, who previously donated $1 million to ECF in July to support industry professionals during the Hollywood strikes, has now pledged an additional $5 million. This contribution is part of a new $10 million initiative launched in partnership between ECF and MacFarlane, aimed at encouraging more donors to help those affected by the ongoing work stoppage that has led to thousands of job losses in the industry.
Seth MacFarlane has donated $5 million to the Entertainment Community Fund to support those in need of financial assistance during the strikes.
He has already donated $1 million in the past. pic.twitter.com/yw8xDB9h1H
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 21, 2023
ECF, formerly known as the Actors Fund, extends its support to a broader spectrum of professionals in the entertainment industry, not limited to actors. It provides various programs and services, both financial and otherwise. As of September 19, the fund has disbursed over $7.4 million to more than 3,515 individuals working in film and television. This includes a range of roles such as writing assistants, production assistants, key grips, gaffers, lighting and sound designers, script supervisors, professionals in craft services, hair and makeup artists, wardrobe specialists, and more. The emergency financial aid is allocated to cover essential living expenses like rent, groceries, health insurance, medical bills, and mental health support.
While the fund has garnered substantial contributions from numerous benefactors, including prominent figures like Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Herb Alpert, Katie McGrath, J.J. Abrams, Greg Berlanti, Steve and Nancy Carell, Vince Gilligan, Michelle Pfeiffer, David E. Kelley, and Shonda Rhimes, the demand for assistance is rapidly depleting available resources. Presently, ECF is allocating approximately $400,000 to $500,000 each week, a stark contrast to the initial half of 2023 when the average weekly distribution was around $75,000.
It has come to light that MacFarlane became aware of the substantial weekly disbursements and was motivated to contribute additional funds. Moreover, he was deeply impressed by ECF’s extensive support across various job roles within the industry. MacFarlane, an active participant in the strikes as a member of both WGA and SAG-AFTRA, has been observed participating in picketing activities in Los Angeles.
“There aren’t enough words to express our tremendous gratitude to Seth as he continues to help those in need, all while inspiring others with this call to action to do the same,” said Annette Bening, the Fund’s Chair of the Board, in a statement. “At this rate, we’ll need at least $10 million to continue helping people in the coming weeks. Seth’s gift is an incredible contribution to help us be able to do that, and we hope others join in as well.”
Added ECF president and CEO Joe Benincasa: “We are eternally grateful to Seth for this extremely generous donation. We know that there will be long-term ramifications of the work stoppage that will continue to impact people’s lives and well-being for months to come, and this transformative gift will allow us to continue to answer the influx of requests for help we get each day.”
This announcement follows the recent success of the Showrunner Fundraising Match, an initiative initiated on September 11th. Its aim was to assist film and television professionals who, while not participating in the strike, have still felt the effects of the work stoppage. Remarkably, it surpassed its initial objective of collecting $500,000 for ECF in less than a week.