How to Survive a Sector Downturn: Navigating Job & Financial Distress

As we confront the harsh realities of our current film industry landscape, many of us are grappling with the weight of financial distress. With production work in British Columbia down by 30-40% following the writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023, the uncertainty of finding our next job is causing significant stress. For seasoned professionals and newcomers alike, the impact of this downturn is profound, and it’s affecting not just our wallets but our mental health too.

The Current Landscape

The film and motion picture sector has long been a challenging yet rewarding field, characterized by its ebb and flow of contract work. However, the recent downturn has left many of us waiting longer than ever for the next opportunity to come along. Unions are hearing from an increasing number of experienced workers who find themselves without calls for work, leading to anxiety and frustration about their futures.

The Financial Struggles of Workers

Financial distress can feel overwhelming, especially when it compounds the pressure we already face in our industry. Many workers are accustomed to the unpredictability of contract work, but this current situation is different. The uncertainty of not knowing when the next paycheck will arrive can be incredibly taxing on both mental and emotional health.

Murray Baker from the Financial Empowerment Program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver reminds us that “Canadians report that personal finances are one of the top stressors related to their mental health.” This stress is all too familiar in our industry, where job security is often elusive, and financial planning can feel like an uphill battle.

Strategies for When There Is Work

When there is work and income, it’s essential to establish solid financial practices. Here are some strategies to help navigate the unpredictable nature of our jobs:

1. Build an Emergency Fund: Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses during busy periods. This fund can serve as a buffer during dry spells.

2. Budget Wisely: Take time to track your income and expenses, identifying areas where you can cut back if necessary. “Setting up a budget might take a little time initially, but once it’s done, it only takes about half an hour each month to review it,” Murray advises.

3. Avoid High-Interest Debt: If you need to borrow, opt for loans or lines of credit with lower interest rates rather than relying on credit cards or payday loans.

4. Educate Yourself: Utilize resources and workshops offered by programs like the Financial Empowerment Program, which can help you make informed financial decisions.

   
   

For Those Already in Distress

If you’ve been waiting for work that hasn’t shown up and now find yourself in debt and distress, here are some immediate options to consider:

• Consumer Proposals: These can be a viable option to help reduce your debt burden. Through the Credit Counselling Society, you can explore creating a proposal to settle your debts for less than you owe while avoiding bankruptcy.

• Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to contact financial professionals who can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your situation. Meet with your bank, and financial planner, or call your union’s Employee/Member Assistance Program which will offer free financial advice and budget and planning tools

• Career Shift Considerations: If the current environment has made you rethink your career in the film industry, it might be time to explore new opportunities for the short or long-term. Consider looking into training grants offered by unions and programs through WorkBC, which can assist with skill development and career transitions. For example, some unions provide financial assistance for members seeking skills training to expand their scope of work.

• Access Career Counselling: Career Counsellors and Coaches have expertise in supporting people under career and work stress and finding alternate options. Your Union’s Employee/Member Assistance Program will offer career services, as will your local WorkBC office as well as private fee services that may be eligible for reimbursement through extended health plans if the career specialist is also a registered counsellor. 

• Small Business Grants: If you’re self-employed or freelancing, check out available small business grants that can provide a financial cushion during this challenging period. These grants can often help you pivot to new projects or areas of focus within the industry. 

• Skills Grants:

  • The StrongerBC future skills grant is available to most British Columbians and covers up to $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions. This grant is available regardless of financial situation. There is a list within this link that provides details on eligible post-secondary institutions and programs. More information here.

  • The B.C. Employer Training Grant provides funding to small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires. Many of our LOC members may be eligible to apply. More information here.

    
    

Mental Health Considerations

The intersection of financial distress and mental health is critical. Anxiety about money can exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress, particularly in an industry that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and reach out for support—whether it’s talking to a friend, connecting with a therapist, reaching out to your union's Employee/Member Assistance Program or seeking help from mental health resources available within your community.

Community Support

As we navigate these challenging times, let’s remember the power of community. Sharing our experiences and supporting one another can make a world of difference. There are countless stories of resilience within our industry, and by leaning on each other, we can create a stronger network of support. Organizations like AFC provide social and financial support (afchelps.ca). 

Tune In to the Podcast

If you’re looking for more insights into financial management, don’t forget to check out our podcast episode featuring Murray Baker. He provides valuable strategies for managing finances during uncertain times and shares practical advice for building resilience. You can listen to the episode here.

Resources for Support

As we work through these difficult times, here are some resources you can tap into for support:

• Financial Empowerment Program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver: 

  • Offers free financial education and coaching. https://fsgv.ca/programs/community-programs/financial-empowerment/  .   

  • Podcast with Murray Baker here.

• AFC: 

  • Free Webinar Nov 20th, 2024, Finding Wellness in Financial Stress. The AFC’s Christine Rossi-Wright and Hayley Schmalz, aims to help participants find and maintain a sense of mental wellness while tackling personal finances. https://afchelps.ca/workshop/wellness-in-financial-stress/ 

  • Navigator is a free, personalized, confidential assistance service that connects arts and entertainment industry workers to mental health resources, programs, and supports. https://afchelps.ca/resources/navigator/ 

  • Designated Sharing Time (DST) - a monthly virtual meeting space to talk, vent, problem-solve, laugh, collaborate, cry, and feel the strength of others. https://afchelps.ca/resource/peer-support/dst/ 

• Listen to our Podcast “Accessing the Right Resources” with Emily Hill, Case Manager at the AFC to learn about their services here.

• WorkBC: Offers programs for skill development and job training. Visit WorkBC.

• BC Credit Counselling Society: https://nomoredebts.org/canada-credit-counselling/bc 

• Read our previous post on “Navigating Uncertainty: Managing Anxiety and Emotional Stress in Times of Labour Disruptions”here.

• Access support from your Union’s Employee/Member Assistance Program: Union benefits listed here.

  
  

Union Training Supports

If you are a member of one of the six BC unions that generously support and fund Calltime Mental Health, check out these funding opportunities for training and education: 

ACFC West Local 2020

• Education and Training Summary

• Courses on the attached list are reimbursed at a rate of 75%, up to a maximum of $1350 per year. Additionally, any Actsafe courses are reimbursed at 100%, up to an additional $1350 per year. This provides a combined total of $2700 per calendar year for members in good standing.

• ACFC also offer access to the “Compassionate Fund” for members experiencing “dire need due to medical distress.” Information about this can be found on their website: https://www.acfcwest.com/2013/07/04/compassionate-fund/ 

DGC BC

• DGC BC Members are eligible for a 50% reimbursement on professional development or continuing education fees, up to a maximum of $500 per Member per year. This applies to courses aimed at enhancing skills relevant to DGC BC positions, including leadership, negotiation, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid.

• Each July, DGC BC awards scholarships to eligible Members and their dependents who are enrolled full-time in a degree program at any accredited Canadian or international post-secondary institution.

• The DGC BC offers mandatory category training courses, various topic seminars and professional panels to Members.

IATSE 891

Training Reimbursements:

• Members can access IATSE 891’s website to see the various safety courses that members can take and apply for a reimbursement upto 100% of the approved safety course, for safety courses there is no maximum annual cap.

•  In addition members have access to a $500 yearly “skills” reimbursement allotment which can be used for training that is related to IATSE 891 film work (regardless of their primary department), or film related software purchases.  Members can receive 50% of the course or software cost up to their annual cap.

•  For full details members are encouraged to check the iatse.com website for more information.
  

In-House Courses:

• Members can also access a variety of courses hosted by IATSE 891. Courses can be department specific or more generalized. Members are notified of courses they are eligible for via e-mail.  Courses available to the entire membership are advertised in the weekly eBulletin which is sent out every Thursday.

• Members receive a significant discount of 60% off the normal course cost for skills courses and up to 100% for safety or other approved courses.

• Members are encouraged to check their emails regularly as well as the eBulletin for upcoming courses.
  

Scholarships:

• In 1998 IATSE 891 created a scholarship program to assist members and their dependents to pursue degree granting post secondary studies.  The Scholarships are awarded primarily on academic achievement with significant consideration given to additional achievements and merits.

• $5,000 Scholarships: 10 scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded to members in good standing or their eligible dependents enrolled full time in pursuit of a degree related to Film, Media, Theatre or Fine Arts, and an additional 10 scholarships of $5,000 are awarded to members in good standing or their dependents enrolled full time in pursuit of a degree not related to Film, Media, Theatre or Fine Arts.

• Open applications are announced on the iatse.com website as well as in the eBulletin.

• Gavin B. Craig Scholarship Award: Each year 5 scholarships of $10,000 are awarded to high school seniors to assist with post-secondary education, with the funds being dispersed over four years at $2,500 per year.

• Open applications are announced on the iatse.com website as well as in the eBulletin.

ICG 669

• Every member is eligible for a $500 subsidy per 24-month period from the Training Fund to reimburse eligible training costs that is related to cinematography or professional development. 

• The ICG 669 Scholarship program was created to assist members and dependents of members in pursuing a diploma or degree-granting postsecondary studies. The scholarships are awarded primarily on the academic achievements of the applicant with significant consideration given to additional achievements and merits.This is a $1,000 per year scholarship. 

• IATSE Training Trust offers reimbursements for First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, CTS Certification. More information can be found on their website.

Teamsters 155

Training & Education Reimbursement Program

• Teamsters Local Union No.155 will reimburse members in good standing 75% of the cost of eligible industry-applicable training and education up to a maximum of $1,000.00 per calendar year, upon successful completion. 

• Courses offered by the Actsafe Safety Association are eligible for 100% reimbursement with exception of Transportation of Dangerous Goods, as Teamsters Local Union No. 155 offers its own.  Reimbursements for Actsafe courses are still subject to the maximum $1,000.00 annual allotment.

In-House and Online Courses:

• Members are encouraged to check their emails regularly as well as the website for upcoming course offerings, including but not limited to our Shop Steward Course, Security Captain Course, and/or Teamsters Education Week.

• Members and their family members may setup FREE online training through Vubiz. To start your learning experience, Click Here and follow the instructions on the page. 

Members are encouraged to log-in and check the teamsters155.org website under the menu “Member Resources,” “Other Resources,” and then “Safety & Training,” for more information on these resources. 

Scholarships:

• The International (“IBT”) JR Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund 

• IBT Teamsters Scholarship Fund

• Teamsters Canada Scholarship

• Teamsters Local Union No. 155 

Each scholarship offers support to members and/or their dependants wishing to pursue academic, vocational, and professional development. Members and/or dependents of members in good standing may be eligible to apply.  

More information for each Scholarship can be found on our website, under the menu “Member Resources,” and “View All Scholarships.”  

UBCP / ACTRA

The UBCP/ACTRA Member and Dependant Scholarship Program is an inclusive initiative to support members and their families in pursuit of educational and professional development. The program is open to all eligible Full Members who have been members in good standing for at least 5 years.  Scholarships offerings happen twice per year in the spring and fall.

• Member Scholarship -

  Each eligible member has either a lifetime maximum of four approved applications or a total allocation of $10,000, whichever comes first. An applicant can be awarded a maximum of $5,000 in one scholarship term.The areas for funding are: Career Transition: pursuing a career outside of recorded media, due to lack of work caused by circumstances such as industry, age, injury, etc. In these circumstances, priority will be determined based on length of membership within UBCP/ACTRA.Professional Development: furthering one’s artistry as a performer; for example, acting, voice, stunts, singing and dancing classes.Dependants: Minors who are Full Members and dependants (up to the age of 25) of eligible Full Members pursuing post-secondary education from an accredited institution which offers a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  

• Dependant Scholarships - The UBCP/ACTRA Scholarship Committee will award a maximum of up to $5,000, per calendar year to the dependants of qualifying Full Members in need of financial assistance for their education to a maximum of $10,000. The dependant must be the child (natural, step, or adopted) of a qualifying Full Member who has contributed the major support for the child. They must either be currently enrolled in a course and are applying for assistance to continue or must be planning to enroll in a full-time course leading to either:- A diploma at a recognized community college or professional arts training institute; - A university degree; or- A professional degree or certification.

Conclusion

As we face the reality of a downturn in production work, let’s come together as a community to support one another. By sharing our experiences, seeking help, and implementing practical financial strategies, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. Remember, it’s okay to ask for support, and together we can create a healthier, more resilient film and motion picture sector.

Let’s stay connected and keep the conversation going. We’re all in this together!