This is a challenging time across the board. Measures being enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19 have had a significant impact on Canadians' professional and personal lives, including those working on Canadian TV and film productions — thousands of people, including many WGC members, have been affected by the shutdown. Series that were filming or were set to go to camera have been suspended indefinitely. Nurses, Wynonna Earp, Blood and Water, Departure and Lady Dicks are just a few of the shows that have halted production, and we currently have no indication when they will resume.
Work is ongoing, however, for some WGC members. Sporadic development continues and a few story rooms are convening virtually. Animation production on select series is continuing and a limited number of writers are being employed in that genre.
But things are far from normal for this time in the calendar year and we wanted to alert you to take the following actions moving forward :
- If you are asked to deliver script materials and are continuing to do so, you should be getting paid. If there are issues with payment, please notify Director of Industrial Relations, Laurie Channer ([email protected]) right away.
- If you were working on a series where production on your episode was started, but was later suspended, you are still entitled to your production fee. If you have not received payment, or have not been notified when you will receive it, please contact Laurie.
- If you were working on a series and your episode was scheduled imminently, but did not start principal photography, you are now not going to receive the production fee. So, you will be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit detailed HERE. It should be open for applications by April 6. (Your production fee will apply as soon as your episode resumes production.)
- The WGC remains on duty. For all other questions, please send them to Director of Communications Lana Castleman ([email protected]). She will get your inquiry to the right staff member.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, stay well, everyone.
