In a bid to support production crew members affected by the ongoing Writers Guild, as well as SAG-AFTRA strikes, Hollywood celebrities have themselves jumped into the pit, as the newly formed Union Solidarity Coalition has launched an auction offering a range of one-of-a-kind celebrity encounters.
With prices starting at $500 and potentially reaching several thousand dollars, this initiative allows fans to connect with their favorite actors, writers, and directors. From personalized songs by the cast of Bob’s Burgers to a pottery class with Busy Philipps in New York City, the offerings are as diverse, intriguing, and even hilarious.
The auction, set to run until September 22, has garnered attention for its promise of unique experiences. Among the most interactive and relatively expensive offers, fans can look forward to a 15-minute Zoom call with the cast of the Fox sitcom, New Girl, including Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Hannah Simone, and Lamorme Morris. Another 15-minute session features Natasha Lyonne‘s unique blend of intellect and entertainment, as she promises to chitchat while tackling the Wednesday New York Times crossword puzzle. Numerous other Zoom sessions with actors and filmmakers including Sarah Silverman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rachel Bloom, Ally Pankiw, Liz Feldman, and Barry Jenkins & Nicholas, are also up for grabs.
One of the auction’s most standout offerings, although limited to Los Angeles-based customers, is the chance to have Adam Scott walk their dog for an hour. The top-most offer, however, seems to be the chance to join Mr. Show with Bob and David‘s Bob Odenkirk and David Cross for dinner. While specifics remain to be seen, one can imagine a dream-coming-true evening at a high-end restaurant.
Items for auction include a Fedora hat owned and signed by the legendary musician Tom Waits, while The Bear‘s cast including Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ayo Edebiri, will be giving out signed aprons. A Hawaiian shirt that says “Weird,” and is signed by Al Yankovic and Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed the parodist in the film Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, is also for sale.
Among celebrities not just offering their time or objects, but also services, is the next Mattel film adaptation writer, Lena Dunham, who will come and paint a mural in the auction winner’s home, while well-known for painting a bloody-red Season 4, Dexter’s Trinity Killer, John Lithgow, offers to create watercolor portraits, but only of dogs.
As Hollywood rallies to support crew members facing challenges due to the ongoing industry strikes, now in their third months, these unique encounters are expected to ease the entertainment industry’s struggles, while also proving to be some unforgettable experiences for selected fans.
The Union Solidarity Coalition auctions are available on eBay.
Source: /Film
