Morning Brief: A Hollywood Strike, Mental Health Care, And Fright Fest

Good morning, L.A. It’s Oct. 5.

If you’ve spent any time around the film industry — or even if you haven't — you probably know that movies and TV shows don’t get made without the hundreds of workers whose names aren’t splashed across billboards or marquees. Hair and makeup, lighting experts, editors and more are the reason the rest of the world can enjoy a night in with Netflix, or a night out at the movie theater.

But those workers report experiencing grueling working conditions: 12-hour days or longer (sometimes *much* longer), catering to the whims of talent, and unlivable wages.

And so, as other realms of Hollywood push for greater equity, so too does this group of employees. Represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, so-called below-the-line workers voted yesterday to authorize a strike.

More than 98% of IATSE members gave negotiators the right to order a work stoppage, with their primary goals being better and safer work conditions and higher wages.

It’s the first time in IATSE’s 128-year history the guild has voted for a nationwide strike, and it could be devastating for the industry as it hobbles out of the financial damage caused by COVID-19. But crew workers are clear: something has to give. 

“Our people have basic human needs like time for meal breaks, adequate sleep, and a weekend,” said Matthew Loeb, the IATSE president, in a statement. “For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage.”

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A., and stay safe out there.

What Else You Need To Know Today

• As officials work to clean up a massive oil spill in Orange County, we took a look at which beaches are closed, how wildlife has been impacted, and what caused the spill.
• L.A. was hit with rain and thunder last night.
• Southern California is in dire need of more mental health care beds. 
• A state rental assistance program is intended to help tenants facing eviction, but signs indicate that many non-English speaking Californians don’t know about the program.
• The state’s largest nursing home owner, Shlomo Rechnitz, is facing a lawsuit alleging that one of his homes is responsible for the COVID-related deaths of some 24 elderly and dependent residents.
• An investigation into worsening wildfire smoke has state and federal lawmakers planning to introduce legislation and hold at least one hearing.

Before You Go ... This Week's Outdoor Pick: Fright Fest

Fright Fest at Melrose Rooftop Theatre screens Halloween-themed flicks all month long.

(Courtesy of Melrose Rooftop Theatre)

The Melrose Rooftop Cinema screens scary movies all month long for Fright Fest. Titles this week include Hocus Pocus (Oct. 4), The Silence of the Lambs (Oct. 5), I Know What You Did Last Summer (Oct. 6) and Labyrinth (Oct. 7). For a better deal, buy the dinner and movie option, which includes a three-course tasting menu.

Or, you could: Watch Dave Chappelle and his documentary — in-person. Shellabrate National Taco Day. Beam yourself into a Star Trek exhibition. Check out a South Bay artwalk. And more.