TOP IDEAS ON THE EFFECTS OF STRIKES

BE A RESOURCE FOR LOCAL CREW

Organize a FAM tour and highlight the benefits of your region - this is a time to connect with studios/physical production heads who will be looking for locations once production resumes
Hold meetings for local Unions/Guilds (either in person or by Zoom) to discuss ideas and dispel myths/rumors that may be emerging in your region
Meet with local politicians or new leaders - discuss the value of your program and office activities, obtain support for new initiatives
Review your location library to ensure images are up to date, make a “must shoot” list of new locations
Create scenario lists so you will be prepared for whatever the future holds, regardless of the timelines of the strike
Stay in touch with producers you have connected with in the past, and maintain a line of communications
Seek out innovative ways to promote film tourism, such as kiosks at airports that will continue to bring revenue to your community and keep the spotlight on production in your region

Create a resource page on your website for crew members to find assistance, which could include: regional benefits for the unemployed, resources about unemployment filing, national union resources and non-profits that could lend financial support
Create networking events and activities to keep local crew engaged and connected to you and to each other.
Hire local crew/location scouts to assist with updating your location library or help with other office tasks if you are able
Create or promote fundraisers that can financially aid local crew
Work with local entities to find ways to hire local crew if possible - for example, ask the local government if they have temporary jobs that could be filled with out of work crew members who are looking for ways to make ends meet

Develop educational programs in your region to help the community build their skills and be ready for work, whether it be PA training or workshops for specific skill sets (carpentry, camera operator, etc) Courses can be one-offs, or regular sessions, or multi day (or multi-weekend) intensives focused on workforce development
Unions may be willing to establish training sessions in the region, and local production heads may be willing to donate their time to help up-and-coming members of the local community (it also gives people an opportunity to network and meet each other and potential crew members while enriching themselves.)
Share resources for low cost or free educational content, such as free courses from:
Entertainment Partners EP Academy: Quick Start - Free Online Courses and Training
Winston | Baker: Low cost viewings of finance forums
Reel Green Sustainability Training: Training - Creative BC