A Day Longer, A Day Stronger
Los Angeles is in the middle of the most destructive fires in the history of our state. As I write this, the fires that continue to burn across the Los Angeles area have killed at least twenty-seven people, destroyed more than seventeen thousand structures—including more than ten thousand—and charred more than sixty square miles. Unfortunately, this tragedy has affected many of our IATSE members and their loved ones.
Our production families are an extension of our blood family, and I am so proud of the IATSE community, not just those here in Los Angeles, but across the country. One thing our production crews do best is jump in and help their brothers, sisters, and kin in times of need. The outreach and the offers of help and support are beyond description. Within the first twenty-four hours, the thirteen Hollywood business agents and the IATSE West Coast office had two donation centers established with food, clothes, personal hygiene items, gift cards, and just about anything our members would need. In the first two days, our members donated so many items that both centers were overflowing with supplies for those who were affected by the fires.
Articles in Production Sound & Video typically highlight our members’ fantastic work on sets worldwide and the technology our members influence to better the industry, but what you don’t see is the other side of our union membership; the humanity side of our members. The support that we have for one another is unmatched and inspiring. We are family and we will show up for one another. We lift each other up every day and not just on sets.
Members who have lost everything are just starting the rebuilding process and will need support for months and maybe even years to come. If you are one of those members, please know that your IATSE brothers and sisters and all the unions in Los Angeles will be with you every step of the way. If you need this kind of support, you have my assurance that we will have your back. This is what families do for each other.
Our members have endured a lot over the last four years. I’m so proud of my labor family and know that together we will rebuild better than ever.
In Solidarity,
Scott Bernard
Business Representative