Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
2/21/2008
Post-Strike "Reconciliation" Benefit for the Industry Support Fund
“RECONCILIATION” BENEFIT!
WHEN: Tuesday, March 4th at 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Laugh Factory
PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE WGF INDUSTRY SUPPORT FUND
To celebrate the end of the strike, Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada will host a “Reconciliation” Benefit at the Laugh Factory, Tuesday, March 4th at 8 p.m. Proceeds go to the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund to assist all those NON-WRITERS above and below-the-line struggling financially due to the strike. The GENERAL PUBLIC is invited.
The $20 admission fee will be donated to the Fund. Cash or check made out to the WGF Industry Support Fund only.
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. SPREAD THE WORD!
Laugh Factory
8001 W Sunset Blvd. Hollywood
323-656-1336 Ext. 1
www.laughfactory.com
For further information contact WGA member Bill Taub (310) 497-4586 or via e-mail: BillyTaub@gmail.com
2/20/2008
Some Helpful Information
As the Industry Support Fund and The Actors Fund (which administers the ISF) continue to help industry workers who lost income and health care coverage during the strike, we offer this helpful post from freelance journalist and United Hollywood lover Becca Bryan. -TES
DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN! THE ACTORS FUND IS THERE FOR EVERYONE.
by Becca Bryan
As someone who has lost a few jobs in the last couple of years, I can attest to being too proud to call my parents or friends for help. There is something about being an adult and a professional that prevents us from asking anyone for help when we need it. You are lucky to employed in the entertainment industry. There is help for you.
I took advantage during a recent trip to LA to interview Keith McNut, Director-Western Region for The Actors Fund My reason for doing this is the concern for the still out of work production staffs of many films and TV shows. During our conversation, Mr. McNut brought up some very important pieces of information which I thought you might need to know.
The Actors Fund is anticipating another 3-6 months of assisting members of the entertainment industry affected by the now ended Writers Strike. Everyone in the entertainment industry, union and non-union, is eligible to receive assistance from The Actors Fund. And they give grants, not loans, so you don't have to pay them back, thank God. They also provide job placement assistance for positions both inside the entertainment industry and beyond.
Even if you think you may not meet their eligibility requirements, CALL ANYWAY. You have nothing to lose and could possibly gain some needed financial or job placement help.
As health insurance renewal time is near, it is critical to NOT LET YOUR INSURANCE LAPSE. I can attest to the devastating shock when I got my COBRA Letter. My COBRA coverage was more than my car payment and half the amount of my rent. Not able to afford it, I went without. But I live in Florida, not California, where a pre-existing medical condition can rule you out to a new insurer. The Actors Fund can help with COBRA payments. These people find it hard to say no. And damn they are nice.
To get help, you begin by scheduling a call with the Intake Counselor. The call takes about an hour and you'll need to have the following information:
1. The Actors Fund application (call and they can snail mail it to you)
2. Resume (or playbill, letter from employer, some proof that you worked in the entertainment industry)
3. Monthly Budget Form (found on their website)
4. Proof of earnings in the entertainment industry (one or all)
- Union earnings printout
- Union, network, studio contracts
- W-2
6. Rent/Mortgage Statement: Lease, Current Bill, Canceled Checks, Money orders, Mortgage/Maintenance Bill
7. Bills: Water, Electricity, Cell, Cable/Sat, Landline Phone, etc.
8. Bank Statement: Checking, Savings or other
9. Documentation of Medical Condition: This is especially important if you have a pre-existing medical condition for which a new insurer could reject you.
What else? The Actors Fund has taken 700 calls (30-50/day) from Jan 1-Feb 15 which is when this interview was conducted. Of those, 320 reached out and received assistance. The remainder either found other work, received help somewhere else or will hopefully complete the intake process.
The Fund has given a total of $470,354.96 since the strike began. 57% of the recipients were below the line (production assistants, gaffers, craft services, staff accountants as examples), 38% were performers (singers, dancers, actors) and 5% were writers.
Three of the Actors Fund's biggest donors are: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS ($150,000), the Writers Guild of America ($80,000) and George Clooney ($25,000).
For those readers not in the industry, please donate what you can. You can do it online, by phone or snail mail. The Actors Fund and other industry-related relief funds can use the help. No they aren’t broke. But hey, every little bit helps. Pitch in.
Phone Numbers: 800-221-7303 (Nationwide) or 323-933-9244, Ext. 55 (CA) Website: www.actorsfund.org (applicant documents can be found here)
2/17/2008
iO WEST RAISES MONEY FOR INDUSTRY SUPPORT FUND: WGA and SAG Members Come Together for Charity and Union Solidarity
Cast from THE OFFICE: Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez and Ed Helms, along with Kate Walsh (GREY'S ANATOMY, PRIVATE PRACTICE), Mo Collins (MAD TV), and Robert Ben Garant (RENO 911) join the cast of the "Armando Show" at iO Theater to raise money for the Industry Support Fund.
Cast from THE OFFICE backstage at the show:
Kate Walsh:
Robert Ben Garant:
A special message from organizer and WGA member Ed Lee:
For five weeks beginning January 7th, Los Angeles improv theater iO West raised awareness about the WGA Strike and donated proceeds from its signature piece THE ARMANDO SHOW to benefit the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund. On Monday, February 4th, this series of performances reached a climactic finale as Kate Walsh (Private Practice) and Robert Ben Garant (Reno 911) hosted a standing-room-only crowd, backed by comedic improvisation by the regular Armando Show troupe, THE OFFICE cast members Kate Flannery, Ed Helms, Angela Kinsey, and Oscar Nunez, MADtv's Mo Collins, WGA members Kate Purdy, Adrian Wenner, and myself, Ed Lee.
Each of the Armando/Strike shows were sold out, thanks in large part to the publicity garnered by United Hollywood. I'm thrilled to report that these shows, in addition to proceeds from iO West's TALK SHOW: THE TALK SHOW, hosted by WGA members Jordan Rubin and Brent Bradshaw, HARDLY WORKING, featuring Cindy Caponera, Jeff Garlin, Dana Gould, Bob Odenkirk and Brett Paesel, and STAND UP AND STRIKE, hosted by Lou DiMaggio, have generated $5000 in proceeds to the Industry Support Fund.
Recognition and thanks are due to James Grace, Artistic Director of the iO West Theater. Not only has James been the chief organizer of all the fundraising shows at iO West, he has also been encouraging iO West performers and students to join our picket lines every Monday. James has gone to great lengths to mobilize an entire theater behind our cause, and his enthusiasm and hard work are appreciated.
Thanks to Jordan Rubin, Brent Bradshaw, Cindy Caponera, Jeff Garlin, Dana Gould, Bob Odenkirk Brett Paesel, Lou DiMaggio, and Paula Killen for organizing and performing in their respective iO West Industry Support fundraisers.
Also, on behalf of the theater, I'd like to express gratitude to our fantastic Armando hosts: Justine Bateman, Melanie Chartoff, Drew Carey, Ron Livingston, Bob Odenkirk, Kate Walsh, and Robert Ben Garant.
Finally, extra-special thanks to the Armando players and the guest improvisers from WGA and SAG who were kind enough to donate their time and talent during this run: Dan Bakkedahl, Ike Barinholtz, Craig Cackowski, Betty Cahill, Cindy Caponera, Mike Coen, Mike Coleman, Mo Collins, Bob Dassie, Jamie Denbo, Jeff Drake, Josh DuBose, Kate Flannery, Scott Gimple, James Grace, Ed Helms, Dave Hill, Angela Kinsey, Jack McBrayer, Seamus McCarthy, Wendy Molyneux, Oscar Nuñez, Joe O'Brien, Jason Pardo, Kate Purdy, John Reynolds, Miles Stroth, Jean Villepique, Adrian Wenner, and Irene White. It was a great privilege to perform with such unbelievably gifted improvisers during this run.
As a member of the iO West community as well as the WGA, I'm proud to have played a part in helping the theater stage these shows. We have provided people with entertainment during tough times, raised money for out-of-work colleagues, and most importantly, demonstrated WGA/SAG solidarity and support. I'm happy that our strike seems to be winding down to a conclusion, an the success of this monumental group effort only reinforces my strong belief that we've all been in this together.
Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Ed Lee
WGAw
Cast from THE OFFICE backstage at the show:
Kate Walsh:
Robert Ben Garant:
A special message from organizer and WGA member Ed Lee:
For five weeks beginning January 7th, Los Angeles improv theater iO West raised awareness about the WGA Strike and donated proceeds from its signature piece THE ARMANDO SHOW to benefit the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund. On Monday, February 4th, this series of performances reached a climactic finale as Kate Walsh (Private Practice) and Robert Ben Garant (Reno 911) hosted a standing-room-only crowd, backed by comedic improvisation by the regular Armando Show troupe, THE OFFICE cast members Kate Flannery, Ed Helms, Angela Kinsey, and Oscar Nunez, MADtv's Mo Collins, WGA members Kate Purdy, Adrian Wenner, and myself, Ed Lee.
Each of the Armando/Strike shows were sold out, thanks in large part to the publicity garnered by United Hollywood. I'm thrilled to report that these shows, in addition to proceeds from iO West's TALK SHOW: THE TALK SHOW, hosted by WGA members Jordan Rubin and Brent Bradshaw, HARDLY WORKING, featuring Cindy Caponera, Jeff Garlin, Dana Gould, Bob Odenkirk and Brett Paesel, and STAND UP AND STRIKE, hosted by Lou DiMaggio, have generated $5000 in proceeds to the Industry Support Fund.
Recognition and thanks are due to James Grace, Artistic Director of the iO West Theater. Not only has James been the chief organizer of all the fundraising shows at iO West, he has also been encouraging iO West performers and students to join our picket lines every Monday. James has gone to great lengths to mobilize an entire theater behind our cause, and his enthusiasm and hard work are appreciated.
Thanks to Jordan Rubin, Brent Bradshaw, Cindy Caponera, Jeff Garlin, Dana Gould, Bob Odenkirk Brett Paesel, Lou DiMaggio, and Paula Killen for organizing and performing in their respective iO West Industry Support fundraisers.
Also, on behalf of the theater, I'd like to express gratitude to our fantastic Armando hosts: Justine Bateman, Melanie Chartoff, Drew Carey, Ron Livingston, Bob Odenkirk, Kate Walsh, and Robert Ben Garant.
Finally, extra-special thanks to the Armando players and the guest improvisers from WGA and SAG who were kind enough to donate their time and talent during this run: Dan Bakkedahl, Ike Barinholtz, Craig Cackowski, Betty Cahill, Cindy Caponera, Mike Coen, Mike Coleman, Mo Collins, Bob Dassie, Jamie Denbo, Jeff Drake, Josh DuBose, Kate Flannery, Scott Gimple, James Grace, Ed Helms, Dave Hill, Angela Kinsey, Jack McBrayer, Seamus McCarthy, Wendy Molyneux, Oscar Nuñez, Joe O'Brien, Jason Pardo, Kate Purdy, John Reynolds, Miles Stroth, Jean Villepique, Adrian Wenner, and Irene White. It was a great privilege to perform with such unbelievably gifted improvisers during this run.
As a member of the iO West community as well as the WGA, I'm proud to have played a part in helping the theater stage these shows. We have provided people with entertainment during tough times, raised money for out-of-work colleagues, and most importantly, demonstrated WGA/SAG solidarity and support. I'm happy that our strike seems to be winding down to a conclusion, an the success of this monumental group effort only reinforces my strong belief that we've all been in this together.
Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Ed Lee
WGAw
2/04/2008
Benefits and Events
MONDAY FEBRUARY 4:
UCLA LABOR CENTER CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
An Evening with Ken Riley, the president of the International Longshoremen's Association Local 1422 in Charleston, South Carolina. Riley's struggle against a Danish shipping company's attempt to break the black union is featured in the book On the Global Waterfront: The Fight to Free the Charleston 5. UCLA Downtown Labor Center, 675 S Park View Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057, Monday, February 4, 2008, 5:00-6:30 PM. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to John Vu at 310.487.0456 or at johnvu@irle.ucla.edu
iO WEST ARMANDO NIGHT WITH KATE WALSH AND MORE: Kate Walsh (Private Practice, Gray's Anatomy) and Reno 911 creator and star Robert Ben Garant will host the 3-act, 2 ½ hour improv extravaganza. Garant (along with partner Thomas Lennon) is a top screenwriter, having written the hits The Pacifier, Herbie:Fully Loaded, Balls of Fury, Night at the Museum, and the upcoming Night at the Museum 2. The Office's Angela Kinsey, Kate Flannery, and Ed Helms as well as MADtv's Mo Collins will be joining the cast of regular "Armando" performers including Tim Meadows (Walk Hard, SNL) for this incredible night with more special celebrity performers to be announced in the upcoming days. All proceeds go to the WGA Industry Support Fund. Tickets for this special show are $25. The show starts at 9pm. iO West is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets call 323-962-7560. Check out the website at iowest.com.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 6:
SCI FI CHANNEL DAY FOR FANS & WRITERS: Jaime Paglia, co-creator of "Eureka" is inviting fans to join the writers, producers and cast members from Sci Fi Channel's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, EUREKA, FLASH GORDON, PAINKILLER JANE, and others for a rally at NBC Studios. 12 noon - 2 pm at NBC STUDIOS, 3000 W. Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA.
SPOOKY WEDNESDAY AT WARNER BROS: For the last two Thursdays writers of various genres have been invited to join us at Gate 2 at Warner Bros, making themselves available to discuss story, structure and everything in between. This week it's SPOOKY WEDNESDAY! Writers from SUPERNATURAL, MOONLIGHT, THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, plus a few surprise guests, will be there to answer all questions and more. 9 AM-12 PM, Warner Bros Gate 2. For more info email wbteachingthursdays@gmail.com
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7:
GUILD-WIDE PICKET AT DISNEY:
Next Thursday, all pickets except NBC Burbank will converge outside Disney Studios for a major show of solidarity. 500 S. Buena Vista St, Burbank. Shifts: 8am -11am, 10am - 1 pm, 12pm - 3 pm.
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12:
STUDENT SOLIDARITY DAY: Film school and college film program students will join us on the picket lines at Paramount and NBC Burbank from 12 noon - 3 pm.
UCLA LABOR CENTER CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
An Evening with Ken Riley, the president of the International Longshoremen's Association Local 1422 in Charleston, South Carolina. Riley's struggle against a Danish shipping company's attempt to break the black union is featured in the book On the Global Waterfront: The Fight to Free the Charleston 5. UCLA Downtown Labor Center, 675 S Park View Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057, Monday, February 4, 2008, 5:00-6:30 PM. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to John Vu at 310.487.0456 or at johnvu@irle.ucla.edu
iO WEST ARMANDO NIGHT WITH KATE WALSH AND MORE: Kate Walsh (Private Practice, Gray's Anatomy) and Reno 911 creator and star Robert Ben Garant will host the 3-act, 2 ½ hour improv extravaganza. Garant (along with partner Thomas Lennon) is a top screenwriter, having written the hits The Pacifier, Herbie:Fully Loaded, Balls of Fury, Night at the Museum, and the upcoming Night at the Museum 2. The Office's Angela Kinsey, Kate Flannery, and Ed Helms as well as MADtv's Mo Collins will be joining the cast of regular "Armando" performers including Tim Meadows (Walk Hard, SNL) for this incredible night with more special celebrity performers to be announced in the upcoming days. All proceeds go to the WGA Industry Support Fund. Tickets for this special show are $25. The show starts at 9pm. iO West is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets call 323-962-7560. Check out the website at iowest.com.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 6:
SCI FI CHANNEL DAY FOR FANS & WRITERS: Jaime Paglia, co-creator of "Eureka" is inviting fans to join the writers, producers and cast members from Sci Fi Channel's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, EUREKA, FLASH GORDON, PAINKILLER JANE, and others for a rally at NBC Studios. 12 noon - 2 pm at NBC STUDIOS, 3000 W. Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA.
SPOOKY WEDNESDAY AT WARNER BROS: For the last two Thursdays writers of various genres have been invited to join us at Gate 2 at Warner Bros, making themselves available to discuss story, structure and everything in between. This week it's SPOOKY WEDNESDAY! Writers from SUPERNATURAL, MOONLIGHT, THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, plus a few surprise guests, will be there to answer all questions and more. 9 AM-12 PM, Warner Bros Gate 2. For more info email wbteachingthursdays@gmail.com
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7:
GUILD-WIDE PICKET AT DISNEY:
Next Thursday, all pickets except NBC Burbank will converge outside Disney Studios for a major show of solidarity. 500 S. Buena Vista St, Burbank. Shifts: 8am -11am, 10am - 1 pm, 12pm - 3 pm.
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12:
STUDENT SOLIDARITY DAY: Film school and college film program students will join us on the picket lines at Paramount and NBC Burbank from 12 noon - 3 pm.
1/29/2008
Readathon Benefits Industry Support Fund
This article was submitted by WGA member Michael Arkof. It runs today in Writers: On The Line, a weekly print newsletter distributed at picket locations.
Sabrina Batchler didn’t write the book on supporting the WGA strike, but she is reading one. Lots of them, actually. The eleven year-old is conducting a Read-a-thon to raise money for the Writers Guild Foundation, to help people put out of work by the strike.
The idea originated with Sabrina’s mother, writer Janet Batchler, who said she got the notion over the winter break. Since then, her daughter has read five books, going on six, for a total of about a thousand pages. By collecting pledges for her tireless reading, Sabrina has managed to raise more than a thousand dollars in contributions.
“Sabrina loves to read and was interested in the strike from the very beginning,” said Batchler, “So I thought why not combine the two.” Batchler explained that Read-a-thon pledges vary. Some pledge a penny per page, others pledge per book, while still others give a donation per month of reading.
In between turning the pages, Sabrina keeps a blog and sends out emails to her sponsors, updating them on the number of pages she’s read. The sponsors then mail out checks to the Foundation, which in turn allocates the funds to one of two locations (based on the pledge’s choice): the Industry Support Fund or the Actor’s Fund. (Ed. note: both these Funds are for non-writers who are out of work because of the strike.)
You might guess that Sabrina Batchler’s determination to help out writers stems from her own desire to become a writer someday. Not so, said the 5th grader. “I want to be a fashion designer rock star.”
This week in Sabrina’s elementary school, an announcement will go out to the entire student body advertising the Read-a-thon idea and asking other students to join. To enroll a child as a reader or to make a pledge, go to Sabrina's blog for more information.
Our thanks to Sabrina and all those like her who continue to help fundraise for non-WGA members affected by the strike. Her determination is inspiring.
1/23/2008
StrikeSwag: Back in Black
StrikeSwag.com - the non-profit site which donates all profits to the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund to assist non-WGA members of the industry who are in financial distress as a direct result of the strike - is out with its January 2008 line which Fashion Week boldly called "the black and white shield tee." This 100% cotton shirt a variant of the official WGA West strike shirt.And thanks to everyone who has purchased an item in the past. Due to your support of the WGA and the people we work with, on December 28, Strike Swag made its first donation to the Support Fund for $20,000.
1/22/2008
Benefits and Events
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23
THE DAILY SHOW WRITERS V. THE COLBERT SHOW WRITERS
will have a mock debate showdown on why America should care about the Writers' Strike. Moderated by DEE DEE MYERS (former Clinton press sec and West Wing consultant.)
THIS IS A NATIONAL EVENT HOSTED BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESSS
who are eager to hear our side of the issues.
FOLLOWING THE DEBATE MICHAEL WINSHIP WGA east PRESIDENT
will speak and hold a Q&A FOR PRESS AND CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS and STAFF.
Michael and WGA leadership will also meet one-on-one with Congressional Members to further discuss the issues at hand and how to resolve them.
This is a great opportunity to bring national attention to the strike issues. All WGA DC area members are welcome to attend. (Please note that seating will be limited.)
When: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 – 1:00 P.M.
Where: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building
MONDAY, JANUARY 28th
BOB ODENKIRK STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE WGA BY HOSTING THE ARMANDO SHOW AT iO WEST
WHO:
Actor, comedian, writer, and director Bob Odenkirk is set to host the Armando show Monday night, January 28 at 9:00 PM at iO WEST in Hollywood. Odenkirk, a former writer for Saturday Night Live, starred in Mr. Show With Bob and David, and recently directed "The Brothers Solomon." He will appear in The Armando Show as part of iO WEST's month-long series of WGA benefit shows, and the theater will be donating half its box office proceeds to the WGA Industry Support Fund - a fund set up by writers for non-writers in the industry affected by the strike.
WHAT:
The Armando Show is an hour-long improvised comedy show inspired by an audience suggestion.
WHERE:
The iO WEST Theatre (formerly Improv Olympic)
6366 Hollywood Blvd. (between Cahuenga and Ivar)
iowest.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd
TV TAKES THE STAGE
A Weekend of Original Plays Written by Striking TV Writers from Hit Shows, Including GREY’S ANATOMY, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, LAW & ORDER, COLD CASE, THE WIRE, SEX AND THE CITY and More.
All profits from the event will benefit The Motion Picture and Television Fund to aid non-writers who have been financially affected by the WGA strike.
Performance schedule at the Macha Theatre (1107 N. Kings Rd. West Hollywood, CA):
Thursday, January 31st, 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 1st, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 2nd, 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 3rd, 12:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20–$25 each and are now available online at www.plays411.com/tv or by calling the box office at 323.960.1052.
TV Takes the Stage was organized by writers Aaron Tracy, Meredith Philpott, and Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Ed Zuckerman.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1st
BandAid #1: A musical tribute to benefit the Industry Strike Fund.
Featuring: Incendio, Lili Haydn, The Possibilities, and Shelly Goldstein
Busby’s – 6:30p to 10:30p
5364 Wilshire Blvd.
90036
No cover charge. Cash Bar. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Cash and check donations will cheerfully be accepted at the door. All proceeds go directly to the Industry Strike Fund - to benefit industry members (non-writers) affected by the strike. All donations are tax deductible.
Presented by Katherine Fugate, Phil Alden Robinson, and the Screenwriters Committee
THE DAILY SHOW WRITERS V. THE COLBERT SHOW WRITERS
will have a mock debate showdown on why America should care about the Writers' Strike. Moderated by DEE DEE MYERS (former Clinton press sec and West Wing consultant.)
THIS IS A NATIONAL EVENT HOSTED BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESSS
who are eager to hear our side of the issues.
FOLLOWING THE DEBATE MICHAEL WINSHIP WGA east PRESIDENT
will speak and hold a Q&A FOR PRESS AND CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS and STAFF.
Michael and WGA leadership will also meet one-on-one with Congressional Members to further discuss the issues at hand and how to resolve them.
This is a great opportunity to bring national attention to the strike issues. All WGA DC area members are welcome to attend. (Please note that seating will be limited.)
When: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 – 1:00 P.M.
Where: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building
MONDAY, JANUARY 28th
BOB ODENKIRK STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE WGA BY HOSTING THE ARMANDO SHOW AT iO WEST
WHO:
Actor, comedian, writer, and director Bob Odenkirk is set to host the Armando show Monday night, January 28 at 9:00 PM at iO WEST in Hollywood. Odenkirk, a former writer for Saturday Night Live, starred in Mr. Show With Bob and David, and recently directed "The Brothers Solomon." He will appear in The Armando Show as part of iO WEST's month-long series of WGA benefit shows, and the theater will be donating half its box office proceeds to the WGA Industry Support Fund - a fund set up by writers for non-writers in the industry affected by the strike.
WHAT:
The Armando Show is an hour-long improvised comedy show inspired by an audience suggestion.
WHERE:
The iO WEST Theatre (formerly Improv Olympic)
6366 Hollywood Blvd. (between Cahuenga and Ivar)
iowest.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd
TV TAKES THE STAGE
A Weekend of Original Plays Written by Striking TV Writers from Hit Shows, Including GREY’S ANATOMY, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, LAW & ORDER, COLD CASE, THE WIRE, SEX AND THE CITY and More.
All profits from the event will benefit The Motion Picture and Television Fund to aid non-writers who have been financially affected by the WGA strike.
Performance schedule at the Macha Theatre (1107 N. Kings Rd. West Hollywood, CA):
Thursday, January 31st, 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 1st, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 2nd, 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 3rd, 12:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20–$25 each and are now available online at www.plays411.com/tv or by calling the box office at 323.960.1052.
TV Takes the Stage was organized by writers Aaron Tracy, Meredith Philpott, and Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Ed Zuckerman.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1st
BandAid #1: A musical tribute to benefit the Industry Strike Fund.
Featuring: Incendio, Lili Haydn, The Possibilities, and Shelly Goldstein
Busby’s – 6:30p to 10:30p
5364 Wilshire Blvd.
90036
No cover charge. Cash Bar. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Cash and check donations will cheerfully be accepted at the door. All proceeds go directly to the Industry Strike Fund - to benefit industry members (non-writers) affected by the strike. All donations are tax deductible.
Presented by Katherine Fugate, Phil Alden Robinson, and the Screenwriters Committee
1/15/2008
How to Help and How to Get Help
Nia Vardalos Lifts Picketers' Spirits with Lunch
Writer/Actress/Producer Nia Vardalos has been buying lunch for picketers once a week at all gates of various studios. On Tuesday she provided hot pizza for all gates at Paramount with help from WGA board member Kathy Kiernan. Anyone who would like to join Nia in buying lunch for a picket line can email Marianne at mariannetitiriga [at symbol] aol [dot] com. A donation of $140 to $160 will cover enough burgers/pizzas/subs to feed the hungry front lines. Be sure to designate a studio when you email. Nia will handle delivery and provide donors with receipts. Thanks!
Laugh Factory Benefit: Time Change for This Week
Jamie Masada's Laugh Factory hosts a weekly show on Wednesdays to benefit the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund. Minimum donation of $20.00 collected at the door.
Tonight's benefit (1/16) will start at 9:30 pm instead of the usual 10pm.
Jamie tells UH there will be national press coverage and a stellar lineup, including Jeff Garlin, Dane Cook, Paul Rodriguez and, tentatively, Dennis Miller.
8001 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
(323) 656-1336
www.laughfactory.com
Bang Comedy Theater Fundraiser
On January 24th, Bang Comedy Theater presents a special, all-WGA cast of the written essay show PINATA. Half the door with go to the Industry Support Fund.
Readers will include Brent Forrester (The Office), Christy Stratton Mann (King of the Hill), Shawn Schepps (Weeds), Peter Murrieta (Wizards of Waverly Place), Laura House (George Lopez) and a special essay from Larry Gelbart (No need for parentheses). The show always ends with free candy.
Thursday, January 24th, 8PM
Bang Comedy Theater
457 North Fairfax (btw. Beverly and Melrose)
Reservations and info at 323-653-6886
UPDATE: "There Will Be Comedy" Benefit in NYC -- SOLD OUT
Tickets have already sold out for this show benefitting the Industry Support Fund. Ars Nova and the writers and staff of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart will present a night of stand-up, sketch and film to benefit staffers affected by the WGA strike. Performers include The Daily Show's Rory Albanese, Hallie Haglund, JR Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Rob Kutner, Adam Lowitt, Sam Means and John Oliver.
Tuesday, 1/22. 9pm
Ars Nova Theater
511 West 54th Street (btwn 10th & 11th Aves.)
New York, NY 10019
Where to Seek Help
Besides the Industry Support Fund, a good place to seek financial assistance is The Actors Fund.
For financial emergencies, call 212-221-7300 x 119 for Lucy Seligson, intake director at the NYC office. She can be reached by email at lseligson [at] actorsfund [dot] org. A more general backup email is intakeny [at] actorsfund [dot] org.
The Actors Fund helps anyone who works in the entertainment industry. Its staff are knowledgeable about the many assistance programs available. They also offer mental health counseling and career counseling to name but two other programs.
Other office contacts are:
Chicago office
312.372.0989
Don Towne dtowne [at] actorsfund [dot] org
Los Angeles office
323.933.9244 ext. 55
intakela [at] actorsfund [dot] org
Keith McNutt, the Director of the LA office: 323.933.9244 ext. 14
[Major thanks to S.E. Olson for compiling info!]
Writer/Actress/Producer Nia Vardalos has been buying lunch for picketers once a week at all gates of various studios. On Tuesday she provided hot pizza for all gates at Paramount with help from WGA board member Kathy Kiernan. Anyone who would like to join Nia in buying lunch for a picket line can email Marianne at mariannetitiriga [at symbol] aol [dot] com. A donation of $140 to $160 will cover enough burgers/pizzas/subs to feed the hungry front lines. Be sure to designate a studio when you email. Nia will handle delivery and provide donors with receipts. Thanks!
Laugh Factory Benefit: Time Change for This Week
Jamie Masada's Laugh Factory hosts a weekly show on Wednesdays to benefit the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund. Minimum donation of $20.00 collected at the door.
Tonight's benefit (1/16) will start at 9:30 pm instead of the usual 10pm.
Jamie tells UH there will be national press coverage and a stellar lineup, including Jeff Garlin, Dane Cook, Paul Rodriguez and, tentatively, Dennis Miller.
8001 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
(323) 656-1336
www.laughfactory.com
Bang Comedy Theater Fundraiser
On January 24th, Bang Comedy Theater presents a special, all-WGA cast of the written essay show PINATA. Half the door with go to the Industry Support Fund.
Readers will include Brent Forrester (The Office), Christy Stratton Mann (King of the Hill), Shawn Schepps (Weeds), Peter Murrieta (Wizards of Waverly Place), Laura House (George Lopez) and a special essay from Larry Gelbart (No need for parentheses). The show always ends with free candy.
Thursday, January 24th, 8PM
Bang Comedy Theater
457 North Fairfax (btw. Beverly and Melrose)
Reservations and info at 323-653-6886
UPDATE: "There Will Be Comedy" Benefit in NYC -- SOLD OUT
Tickets have already sold out for this show benefitting the Industry Support Fund. Ars Nova and the writers and staff of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart will present a night of stand-up, sketch and film to benefit staffers affected by the WGA strike. Performers include The Daily Show's Rory Albanese, Hallie Haglund, JR Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Rob Kutner, Adam Lowitt, Sam Means and John Oliver.
Tuesday, 1/22. 9pm
Ars Nova Theater
511 West 54th Street (btwn 10th & 11th Aves.)
New York, NY 10019
Where to Seek Help
Besides the Industry Support Fund, a good place to seek financial assistance is The Actors Fund.
For financial emergencies, call 212-221-7300 x 119 for Lucy Seligson, intake director at the NYC office. She can be reached by email at lseligson [at] actorsfund [dot] org. A more general backup email is intakeny [at] actorsfund [dot] org.
The Actors Fund helps anyone who works in the entertainment industry. Its staff are knowledgeable about the many assistance programs available. They also offer mental health counseling and career counseling to name but two other programs.
Other office contacts are:
Chicago office
312.372.0989
Don Towne dtowne [at] actorsfund [dot] org
Los Angeles office
323.933.9244 ext. 55
intakela [at] actorsfund [dot] org
Keith McNutt, the Director of the LA office: 323.933.9244 ext. 14
[Major thanks to S.E. Olson for compiling info!]
Drew Carey is Just Right as Host of the Armando Show
WGA and SAG member Drew Carey and the cast of The Armando Show played to a packed house last night at the iO West theater.
The Armando Show is one of iO West's longest-running shows featuring a guest monologist every week backed by a regular troupe of improvisers (including SNL's Tim Meadows, and MADtv's Stephnie Weir). This week's improvisers included WGA members John Reynolds (Late Late Show), Joe O'Brien (Late Late Show), Adrien Wenner (My Boys), Ed Lee (The Drew Carey Show), Kate Purdy (Cold Case), and Wendy Molyneux (The Megan Mullally Show) in addition to the regular Armando cast.
Over the month of January and until February 4, The Armando Show will raise money through ticket proceeds for the Writer's Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund.
Next up, Ron Livingston hosts on January 14th, Bob Odenkirk on January 28th, leading up to a star-studded finale on February 4th featuring cast members from The Daily Show, The Office, SNL, and MADtv.
Tickets for the Armando Show are $10 (February 4th will be $25) and can be purchased in advance at the iO WEST web site www.iowest.com or by calling 323.962.7560.
iO WEST is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd, between Cahuenga and Vine.
1/14/2008
Drew Carey Guest Hosts The Armando Show At iO West Tonight
Come see WGA and SAG member Drew Carey (The Drew Carey Show, Whose Line is it Anyway, The Price is Right) host The Armando Show at iO West tonight at 9pm.
The Armando Show, over the month of January and until February 4, is raising money through ticket proceeds for the Writer's Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund. Armando is one of iO West's longest-running shows featuring a guest monologist every week backed by a regular troupe of improvisers (including SNL's Tim Meadows, and MADtv's Stephnie Weir). This week's improvisers include WGA members John Reynolds (Late Late Show), Joe O'Brien (Late Late Show), Adrien Wenner (My Boys), Ed Lee (The Drew Carey Show), Kate Purdy (Cold Case), and Wendy Molyneux (The Megan Mullally Show) in addition to the regular Armando cast.
Ron Livingston is hosting January 14th, Bob Odenkirk is hosting January 28th, leading up to a star-studded finale on February 4th featuring cast members from The Daily Show, The Office, SNL, and MADtv.
Tickets for the Armando Show are $10 (February 4th will be $25) and can be purchased in advance at the iO WEST web site www.iowest.com or by calling 323.962.7560.
iO WEST is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd, between Cahuenga and Vine.
The Armando Show, over the month of January and until February 4, is raising money through ticket proceeds for the Writer's Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund. Armando is one of iO West's longest-running shows featuring a guest monologist every week backed by a regular troupe of improvisers (including SNL's Tim Meadows, and MADtv's Stephnie Weir). This week's improvisers include WGA members John Reynolds (Late Late Show), Joe O'Brien (Late Late Show), Adrien Wenner (My Boys), Ed Lee (The Drew Carey Show), Kate Purdy (Cold Case), and Wendy Molyneux (The Megan Mullally Show) in addition to the regular Armando cast.
Ron Livingston is hosting January 14th, Bob Odenkirk is hosting January 28th, leading up to a star-studded finale on February 4th featuring cast members from The Daily Show, The Office, SNL, and MADtv.
Tickets for the Armando Show are $10 (February 4th will be $25) and can be purchased in advance at the iO WEST web site www.iowest.com or by calling 323.962.7560.
iO WEST is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd, between Cahuenga and Vine.
1/10/2008
IO West Theater Comedy Fund Raiser
Tomorrow night Jerry O'Connell ("Carpoolers," "Crossing Jordan") Kerri Kenney ("Reno 911," "The Ten," "The State"), and stand-up comedian Dan Mintz (writer, "Luckie Louie") will perform in Talk Show: The Talk Show at iO West Theater. Half the proceeds go to the Industry Support Fund - a fund set up by the WGA for non-WGA members affected by the strike.
Here are the details:
11pm THIS FRIDAY, Jan 11th
iO West Theater:
6366 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(Hollywood Boulevard between Cahuenga and Ivar - valet parking available on Cosmo)
For reservations or more information call the iO West Theater at 323-962-7560. You can find out more about the theater by visiting iowest.com.
Get Your "Benjamin Silverman High School" T-Shirts
Hot in Hollywood and Strike Swag have teamed up to produce limited edition Benjamin Silverman High School t-shirts.Orders placed by Monday the 14th will be ready in time for the Benjamin Silverman High School Winter Prom outside NBC on Thursday the 17th. Profits from the sale of these shirts will benefit the WGA Foundation Industry Support Fund.
See you at Prom. Go Fightin' Cocks!
1/09/2008
MAD TV Writers Put on Benefit Show
THE WRITER'S OF FOX'S MAD TV ARE PUTTING ON A SHOW!
Original sketches written and performed by the writing staff of MAD TV to benefit the show's script department (which was put out of work because of the
strike.)
All fans of the show are encouraged to attend for a fun-filled night of hilarity. Hell, who are we kidding, even if you hate the show, we want you to come!
WHEN: Monday, January 14th, at 8pm
WHERE:
The Groundlings Theater
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90068
RESERVATIONS: 323-934-4747
OR AT: GROUNDLINGS.COM
ADMISSION: $20 (all proceeds go to aforementioned script department)
Original sketches written and performed by the writing staff of MAD TV to benefit the show's script department (which was put out of work because of the
strike.)
All fans of the show are encouraged to attend for a fun-filled night of hilarity. Hell, who are we kidding, even if you hate the show, we want you to come!
WHEN: Monday, January 14th, at 8pm
WHERE:
The Groundlings Theater
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90068
RESERVATIONS: 323-934-4747
OR AT: GROUNDLINGS.COM
ADMISSION: $20 (all proceeds go to aforementioned script department)
1/04/2008
IO West Theater Comedy Fund Raiser
HOOT, HOLLER AND LAUGH WITH STRIKING WGA MEMBERS AT iO WEST THEATER
While the more than eight-week old WGA strike is anything but funny, the staff at iO WEST is standing up and speaking out to provide some relief for the writers in the form of comedy and donations.
In a show of solidarity, every Monday during the month of January, iO WEST’s hit show, “The Armando Show,” will be donating half its box office proceeds to the Industry Support Fund. The Armando Show, which boasts a cast of Hollywood’s finest actors and writers sharing personal, improvised monologues that in turn inspire a series of improvised scenes, will be helmed in January with SAG/WGA performers and monologists. This month-long event will culminate in a star-studded strike support show on Monday, Feb 4, with 100% of the box going to the Industry Support Fund. The Office’s Angela Kinsey and Kate Flannery as well as MADtv’s Mo Collins are already on board to join the cast of Regular “Armando” performers including Tim Meadows (Walk Hard, SNL), MADtv’s Stephnie Weir, and Adrian Wenner (My Boys)among other notable iO alums.
“My vision for these shows is that they keep awareness on the strike and that they become a weekly rally for WGA members to be entertained and share camaraderie with their fellow union members,” says James Grace, Artistic Director of iO WEST.
Justine Bateman (Men In Trees, Family Ties) and Melanie Chartoff (Rugrats, Fridays) will be kicking off STRIKE! The Armando WGA/SAG Solidarity Shows on January 7th. Drew Cary (The Drew Cary Show, Whose Line Is It Anyway) will host the January 14th show and Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show) will host the January 28th show. Other anticipated WGA members joining the January line-up of guest improvisers include writers Kate Purdy (Cold Case), Ed Lee (Drew Carey Show), Cindy Caponera (My Boys, SNL), Rich Talarico (SNL, MADtv),
In addition to the weekly improv shows, Kate Purdy, an iO WEST performer and WGA strike captain, will help organizing weekly picket line support by the theater at picket locations in Hollywood and in the Valley beginning on January 7th.
Make reservations for a good time and a good cause. Tickets for the January Armando Shows are $10, the February 4th show tickets are $25 both can be purchased in advance at the iOWEST web site iowest.com or by calling 323.962.7560.
The iO WEST is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd, between Cahuenga and Vine.
"Criminal Minds" Fan Actions Continue
It's a new year, but the Criminal Minds Fanatics site is as busy as ever.
Their petition to CBS chief Les Moonves has reached almost 600 signatures so far. The goal is to reach 1,000, have it printed and then sent to LA for hand delivery.
And congrats and thanks are in order for the third delivery of a check from "The Criminal Minds Assistance Fund" to aid the show's crew. A lot of the money has come from auctions. Two new items are scheduled to be auctioned every day next week.
Items are set to include CM collectibles as well as memorabilia from Studio 60 and The West Wing. Full info at http://criminalmindsfanatic.blogspot.com/.
Their petition to CBS chief Les Moonves has reached almost 600 signatures so far. The goal is to reach 1,000, have it printed and then sent to LA for hand delivery.
And congrats and thanks are in order for the third delivery of a check from "The Criminal Minds Assistance Fund" to aid the show's crew. A lot of the money has come from auctions. Two new items are scheduled to be auctioned every day next week.
Items are set to include CM collectibles as well as memorabilia from Studio 60 and The West Wing. Full info at http://criminalmindsfanatic.blogspot.com/.
12/28/2007
Strike TV: Coming Soon, to an Internet-Connected Screen Near You
Strike TV is an Internet fundraiser. It's an online "channel" featuring original video shows created by working professionals in the TV and Film Industry. These shows are self-funded and owned by their creators. Funds raised by ad revenue will go toward the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund, assisting union directors, actors and below the line members who are affected by the strike. Strike TV videos will not be about the strike. This is a chance for writers to do what they do best - be original and tell stories. Visit the Strike TV MySpace page for full details including info on the upcoming boot camp seminars.
12/23/2007
Volunteer Opportunity - Christmas Dinner to the Homeless
(WGA Member Dana Greenblatt will be volunteering, and invites others to, as well. Here are the details.)
What: Union Station Foundation's Christmas Dinner-In-The-Park.
http://www.unionstationfoundation.org/christmas_in_the_park.html
Where: Central Park on the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Del Mar Boulevard in Pasadena
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&address=275+S.+Raymond+Avenue&city=Pasadena&state=CA&zipcode=91105
When: Tuesday, December 25
10:00-11:30AM Set-up
11:30AM-2:00PM Serve Food & Beverages
1:30PM-4:00PM Break-down and clean up (this is when they need the most volunteers)
How: When you arrive at Central Park, go directly to the Volunteer Registration table on the Raymond Avenue side of the park. The volunteers there will give you a nametag and assign you a task.
Parking: Street parking is available surrounding the park. The park is also on the Gold Line Metro.
More Info: 626-240-4550
The only drawback is that volunteers are assigned to positions as they check in, which means that not all WGA members will be volunteering together. Let's try to wear red WGAw t-shirts (the grey "On Strike" shirts seem inappropriate to the season, no?) or WGA baseball caps (for those of us who have them) so members can identify ourselves to one another.
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