The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has changes so much for all of us: a massive disruption to our daily lives and uncertain futures.
I believe it’s going to cause an upheaval in the film industry. We’re already seeing film festivals cancelled, productions halted, cinemas closed, and studios releasing their films on demand earlier than anticipated because theatrical releases aren’t feasible right now. Most people are at home, self-quarantined, to prevent the spread of this outbreak (myself included). In the film industry, that means cast and crew aren’t working – which means they also might lose their health benefits. It’s really scary.
That’s why I’ve gathered some resources. Please use the comments to add to the list if I’ve missed anything. I’ll update this list as frequently as I can.
Slate & Lens Podcast Community
The podcast community is free to join. It’s a way to connect Southern storytellers to one another, resources that’ll help your career, and (hopefully) potential gigs.
NC Artist Relief Fund
The N.C. Artist Relief Fund is a collaboration between Artspace, PineCone, United Arts Council, and VAE Raleigh. You can support the fund or apply for funds online.
“We encourage any artist, arts presenter, or arts venue in need of support due to cancellations from the outbreak of COVID-19 to fill out this application. This fund is a money-in, money-out fund. The collaborating organizations will disperse funds as they are donated.”
COVID-19 & Freelance Artists
Here’s a list of resources “specifically designed to serve freelance artists and those interested in supporting the independent artist community”.
Arts Resources
The New Orleans Film Society recently shared this list of resources for artists from Creative Capital. There are links to emergency funds from various groups on the list.
Encouraging words from Emily Best
Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark. I’ve been following the company from the start, and always admired the things I heard Emily Best say. (Yes, including some of those F bombs because I also cuss like a sailor in good company.) She published some encouraging words recently that I found incredibly inspiring. I hope you’ll read it.
Illumination Experience Workshop
Years ago, I went through a workshop with cinematographer Shane Hurlbut. It was incredibly rewarding. He has now made the course available for free.
Access the Illumination Experience Workshop now to learn something new during your self-quarantine days.
Sundance Collab
The Sundance Collab is e-learning from the film festival by the same name. I’ve been following this since they launched it with excitement, however, their pricing was a barrier to entry for some filmmakers.
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, they’re offering some upcoming events for free. Check it out: collab.sundance.org/events. For example, there’s a free webinar on crowdfunding on Wednesday, April 8th.
Want to add something?
Please use the comments below to add to the list. I would love to hear from you. I know it’s a scary time. We’ll get through this together.