Just How Bad Did COVID-19 Hurt the Entertainment Industry?
By Movieguide® Staff
The Actors Fund released a recent survey that shows how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Hollywood and the worldwide entertainment industry.
Over 7,000 people answered the survey, all of whom had sought the organization’s aid during the pandemic.
According to the survey, 76% of those surveyed said they lost income, 62% lost part-time or gig employment, 50% lost full-time jobs within the industry, and 22% said they do not know if or when they would return to work.
“The last year has exposed how vulnerable people in our community are. We need to continue to provide critical support while the industry safely returns to work, and we intend to continue to explore ways to ensure more access to our services going forward,” Actors Fund CEO Joe Benincasa said in a statement.
The survey also revealed that the mental health of 79% of people was negatively affected. The Actors Fund provided over $19 million to those struggling in 2020.
“Clearly, we were able to help lessen the impact of the pandemic, but the pandemic has a long tail,” Actors Fund COO Barbara Davis said. “Now, we need to continue to provide direct financial assistance, must help more people access health insurance and receive health care, and provide mental health and other support services as the entertainment industry gradually returns.”
However, as many inside and outside of the entertainment industry struggle, there is an excellent opportunity for Christians to point to the comfort and rest found in Christ. Movieguide® previously reported:
According to Lifeway Christian Resources, one of the world’s largest Christian literature providers said that Bible sales increased worldwide as people search for light amid the pandemic.
Carol Pipes, Lifeway’s director of corporate communications, told CBN News that Bible sales have “remained strong since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the US” and that numbers grew between April and June of 2020.
Chief Executive Officer Ben Mandrell claimed that this was not a coincidence.
“We believe this is no accident, as people often go to the Bible as a source of hope in times of crisis and uncertainty,” Mandrell said. “People draw hope from scripture because in it they see a God who is with us during our suffering. The Bible, as God’s words to us, is a reminder that He doesn’t leave us to walk through difficult times alone.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
