We are living through unprecedented times, which are having a devastating impact on our industry. Though most production remains shut down as this issue goes to press, some post-production continues with the aid of available technology, enabling a portion of our membership to continue working remotely from home (see story, p. 24). But for most, future projects have been put on an indefinite hold, with the startup dates uncertain.

The Editors Guild has done a wonderful job of sending out information, and the Guild website is an excellent resource for information on MPI, unemployment insurance, the government CARES Act and Small Business Assistance – SBA loans and disaster relief, stimulus checks, grants, volunteer opportunities, food banks, mental health info and ways the union is helping provide relief to our members. There is even a provision to make a one-time withdrawal of up to $20,000 from your individual pension plan.

The Guild is also beginning to define what will be required for a safe working environment when we gradually start going back to work. You can access the wealth of resources at: www.editorsguild.com

For those who feel they are in a position to help others less fortunate with a financial donation, there are many worthwhile charities. Two in particular are dedicated to helping people in our own industry specifically: The Actors Fund and the Motion Picture & Television Fund. The ACE Board of Directors met virtually for the first time in April and discussed how we could reach out to our membership in ways that could be meaningful in this time of need.

The Board voted to give a small donation to each of these two funds, to help any of our members who may need additional financial assistance. Both organizations have the structures in place and means to handle and evaluate applicants for direct aid. These are difficult times. However, there is much to be thankful for, as we hunker down in our homes, spend more time with our families, work on those long, procrastinated projects like cleaning up yards, garages, basements, closets, drawers, and practice the latest safety recommendations.

In our country and throughout the world, there are great minds working on solutions to the problems of accessible testing for the virus, antibodies and immunity. Let’s hope that soon we can all get back to work, under safe working conditions, and that the ultimate vaccine will be available sooner than later.

In the meantime, stay healthy and safe,
Stephen Rivkin, ACE President and the ACE Board of Directors