Celebrities are auctioning off unusual, creative services to raise money for unionized production members, some of whom haven’t worked in months, amid writers and actors strike in Hollywood.
The collective fundraising effort comes from The Union Solidarity Coalition (TUSC), a group of writers and directors “moved to connect with the crew affected by the 2023 WGA strike,” according to their website. “We want to think big about how we can support each other in light of a national labor market crisis,” the group writes.
The auction, set up to raise money for crew members who have lost their health insurance due to strike-related shutdowns, is taking place on eBay and includes some downright eccentric experiences for bidders.
Of course, there are experiences that follow traditional formats, like a Zoom with the acclaimed actress Nicole Kidman, who has pulled a current high bid of $1,275. A virtual “coffee and conversation” session with actress, author and comedian Rachel Bloom is also up for grabs, with the highest bid over $2,000.
Sunday crossword with Natasha Lyonne
More quirky experiences include the chance to have actress and filmmaker Natasha Lyonne help you solve the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle. A popular item, the current bid is $6,100.
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Animal lovers take note: stage and film actor John Lithgow will paint a watercolor portrait of your dog. He includes examples of his past work on the auction page detailing the special offering, which has a current high bid of $4,450.
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Actor Adam Scott will walk your Los Angeles-based dog also for an hour.
Flair-seeking homeowners can, too order a mural by Lena Dunham, the creator of the HBO television series “Girls”. One bidder has already bid $5,100.
Other experiences include a pottery class with Busy Philipps and “exquisite corpse drawing” with Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis.
Far from being rich and famous, many of the unionized crew members who work behind the scenes in the film industry have lost their health insurance and are struggling financially as film and television production has stall in the midst of the strikes. Many have taken jobs waiting tables or working at Target and other local stores, RollingStone reported.
Artists struggle too. Since the strike, which began on July 14, thousands of unemployed artists have joined an app that lets celebrities record personal videos for fansand returned to restaurant, desk and airline jobs to stay afloat as the industry presses pause.