Going OT for Gaza
Overtime. It’s a touchy subject when onset if it hasn’t been discussed beforehand. Nobody likes it and productions always try to avoid it. However, we all eventually find ourselves in this predicament and I’m pretty sure 90% of the time we always say yes. I ran a poll about a month ago, asking my other crewmember friends, “would you donate any unexpected OT to charity?”
The results speak for themselves.
We’re talking anywhere in the region of £20-45 per hour, something which we would easily end up spending on a takeaway. However, for a Palestinian mother, this could be a matter of life and death for their child because they are unable to afford medication/food.
The one thing that’s bamboozled me sharing this entire conflict, is the western press media, and its complicity in regard to disregarding Palestinian voices. In fact it’s even more prevalent in the film and television world, as I’m sure you guys have been keeping up with the stories with regard to the celebrities who have faced backlash for demanding a ceasefire.
To me, it doesn’t make sense, as all the photos and videos on what’s happening is easily accessible, so trying to silence those high profile celebrities is not accomplishing much. In fact, we, as crew members, probably have more power than said celebrities when it comes to causing disruption within our industry, as you saw with the writers strike last year.
In the past, i have seen productions start spare change money pots in support of Ukraine, as well as auctions of props once a production has finished. Yet, nothing for Gaza.
So that is why I've decided to make this campaign. In an effort to get crew members more actively involved with providing support for the children of Gaza, without the fear of facing backlash from those who might see indifferently.
All funds will be distributed to a charity called 'hope and play' who specialise in providing services to the children of Gaza. This can range from emergency support, trauma support, activity and learning spaces.
More can be found below
Organizer
eyaz chishty
Organizer
England
Hope and Play Ltd
Beneficiary