Seth MacFarlane is opening his wallet once again for the Entertainment Community Fund.
The prolific creator, who donated $1 million to ECF in July for their efforts in supporting industry professionals amid Hollywood’s dual strikes, has committed another $5 million. As part of the gift, ECF and MacFarlane have teamed to launch a $10 million initiative in the hopes of attracting more donors during the work stoppage that has left thousands unemployed.
ECF, previously known as the Actors Fund, spreads support beyond actors to offer programs and services, financial and otherwise, to those who work in the entertainment industry. As of Sept. 19, the fund has distributed more than $7.4 million to more than 3,515 film and TV workers including writing assistants, production assistants, key grips, gaffers, lighting and sound designers, script supervisors, people working in craft services, hair and make-up professionals, wardrobe insiders and others. The emergency financial assistance is used to cover basic living expenses like rent, groceries, health insurance, medical bills, mental health support and more.
Though the fund has received millions of dollars from thousands of donors — some of them notable insiders like Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Herb Alpert, Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams, Greg Berlanti, Steve and Nancy Carell, Vince Gilligan, Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley and Shonda Rhimes — the money goes fast. Due to heightened requests, ECF is currently distributing about $400,000-$500,000 per week, compared to an average of $75,000 per week in the first half of 2023.
It is understood that MacFarlane heard of the high dollar amount being distributed each week and felt compelled to give more money. Furthermore, he was inspired by the work of ECF in helping a wide variety of industry professionals in all job categories. MacFarlane, who remains on strike as a member of both WGA and SAG-AFTRA, has been seen on the picket lines in Los Angeles.
“There aren’t enough words to express our tremendous gratitude to Seth as he continues to help those in need, all while inspiring others with this call to action to do the same,” said Annette Bening, who serves as ECF’s chair of the board and has donated to the cause herself. “At this rate, we’ll need at least $10 million to continue helping people in the coming weeks. Seth’s gift is an incredible contribution to help us be able to do that, and we hope others join in as well.”
Added ECF president and CEO Joe Benincasa: “We are eternally grateful to Seth for this extremely generous donation. We know that there will be long-term ramifications of the work stoppage that will continue to impact people’s lives and well-being for months to come, and this transformative gift will allow us to continue to answer the influx of requests for help we get each day.”
The news comes on the heels of the Showrunner Fundraising Match, an initiative launched on Sept. 11 in an effort to support film and TV workers who are not on strike but have been impacted by the work stoppage. It exceeded its initial goal of raising $500,000 for ECF less than a week.