Normal life has been upended for individuals and big industries alike due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not only is Netflix providing entertainment for millions as they navigate social distancing, but the streaming service is also offering financial relief.
On Friday, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos announced that the company has set aside $100 million to help workers in the creative community. The mission is to support those who have been most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, including “electricians, carpenters, drivers, hair and makeup artists and more.”
“Almost all television and film production has now ceased globally – leaving hundreds of thousands of crew and cast without jobs,” Sarandos wrote. “Most of the fund will go towards support for the hardest-hit workers on our own productions around the world.”
The entertainment giant plans to distribute $15 million to “third parties and non-profits providing emergency relief to out-of-work crew and cast in the countries where we have a large production base.”
In the U.S., the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Covid-19 Disaster Fund, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and the Actors Fund Emergency Assistance will receive $1 million each.
Additionally, Netflix will donate $1 million between the AFC and Fondation des Artistes, as they work with organizations in other global regions to assist in relief efforts.
Netflix joins Pyer Moss founder Kerby Jean-Raymond, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, and a number of other celebrities, non-profits, and companies who have pledged their support during this unprecedented crisis.
