Hollywood to the Rescue: How the Entertainment Industry Is Helping Fire Victims

From a Galaxy Far, Far Away … to Your Temporary Living Room

Louis Dargenzio, the ex-president of Sunset Studios and a transportation coordinator for the movie ‘King Richard’, initially intended to unveil his new venture, Zello, as a bridge connecting community, entertainment, business, and real estate. However, just a week before its launch, wildfires hit LA, causing him to change direction. Now, instead of debuting, Zello Support has transformed its Burbank headquarters (near the Warner Bros. lot) into a donation center offering pickup and delivery services. They are collaborating with studios, prop and design houses, such as those from ‘Star Wars’ productions that recently made a substantial donation, to transfer furniture from film or TV sets to individuals who have lost everything. As explained by John Pollak of Zello, the aim is to help these people restore their homes to feel like homes once again.

FEMA Photographers on the Fly

Following the devastating fires in Los Angeles that left thousands of structures in ruins, several crew members have offered to share photographs of these buildings, which they took during filming, with their owners. This initiative aims to provide these detailed images — captured by skilled professionals — to assist in insurance and FEMA claims or offer emotional significance. The Teamsters Local 399 and the Location Managers Guild International are endorsing the Eaton and Palisades Fire Photo Project (scoutphotos.org), a program designed to connect property owners and tenants with location managers and art directors. As Amelia Steely, an art director, explains to THR, “an art department is filled with meticulous visual record keepers, and that’s part of the job.” “We are well-equipped to get essential information to those who need it,” she adds.

Stylists to the Rescue

Rebuilding wardrobes is one of many tasks on the extensive to-do list for individuals who have lost everything, and Hollywood stylists are combining their resources to provide assistance. The nonprofit organization Chic Relief, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, is collaborating with approximately 220 families following a Google registration process, as shared by its founders Elizabeth Stewart and Jordan Grossman with THR. Meanwhile, Ashlee Margolis, founder of The A List marketing and communications firm, is spearheading an independent initiative to supply clothing for fire victims. Similarly, celebrity stylist Ilaria Urbinati is engaged in her own project. “I believe stylists were prompted to act because we have the easiest access to clothes,” Stewart explains. “We’re in a special position to help, and we’re all communicating with one another.

Disney Donates

Beyond contributing $15 million towards fire relief funds, The Walt Disney Company has also offered its North Hollywood costume warehouse as a resource for employees affected by the disaster. In light of this, Disney staff and crew members who suffered property loss can collect clothing and shoes from recent productions such as Genius: MLK/X, grown-ish, and The Old Man, entirely free of charge. Heidi Chong, vice president of production services at Disney Entertainment Television, expressed in a statement that “Not many companies possess an entire warehouse filled with wardrobe items, some of which have barely been used or not used at all.” She continued, “There are no restrictions on the quantities taken; it’s about providing what is needed for those affected.

A Theater Provides Workspaces

Swapping places with WeWork, here I am, a gamer displaced by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Fortunately, businesses like Atlas Digital, based in Burbank, are stepping up to help. They’re providing edit bays and remote workspaces, some even for free, to those like me who’ve lost their homes or offices. Editor Josh Crockett (from the movie Tag) moved his workspace to an Atlas space after the Eaton Fire, and he shared that having a consistent, dependable place to work during these tough times has significantly reduced his stress levels.

As for entertainment, the cherished Eagle Rock video rental store/movie theater, Vidiots, has opened its doors. Their Mubi Microcinema is now available as a daytime workspace with Wi-Fi, outlets, and even free coffee (during breaks between showtimes, of course). To keep our spirits high, they’re also hosting free screenings of movies like Clue and L.A. Story. Now that’s a gaming break worth looking forward to!

Let There Be Ring Lights

For numerous actors, conducting self-taped auditions is an unavoidable aspect of their profession, offering the convenience of being done from home. However, these trials present pressures such as locating suitable lighting and camera arrangements. To alleviate some of this stress, The Bridge for Actors online actor training company, in conjunction with Casting Workbook, IAMA Theatre Company, and Ship Bob, are distributing 75 self-tape lighting kits to actors who lost their equipment due to fires or are unable to return home due to smoke damage. Each kit contains a ring light, three tripods, and a custom two-toned reversible pop-up banner. As stated by Alyshia Ochse, co-founder of The Bridge for Actors, “Our aim is to help you get back to work.

Pro Bono

Creatives who have lost their homes and workspaces due to wildfires may soon encounter complex legal issues such as insurance matters, work disruptions, and property concerns. To assist artists and creators in navigating these challenges, the L.A.-based firm, Counsel for Creators LLP, is providing free 30-minute consultations. They pledge straightforward advice with no hidden costs. As stated by partners and co-founders Chuong Bui and Chris Valdheims, their aim is to offer practical help and support so that affected individuals can recover and resume their work more swiftly.

You can find this article in the January 29th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Consider subscribing by clicking here.

2025-01-29 21:00