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Chinese virus hits Hollywood, 120,000 crew jobs lost

The Chinese virus pandemic is changing society as we know it, making things like going to concerts and movies a thing of the past. A new statistic shows a devastating impact on Hollywood: 120,000 entertainment industry crew jobs have been lost. Most shows have shut down production amid fears of spreading the contagious virus, which …

The Chinese virus pandemic is changing society as we know it, making things like going to concerts and movies a thing of the past. A new statistic shows a devastating impact on Hollywood: 120,000 entertainment industry crew jobs have been lost.

Most shows have shut down production amid fears of spreading the contagious virus, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. This leaves crew members without jobs. Variety reports that this number comprises 80% of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

In a newsletter obtained by the industry outlet, the International Cinematographers Guild, which has about 9,000 members and operates as IATSE Local 600, wrote, “Although some of our members are being paid for up to two weeks after their shows shut down, based upon the reality of the health-care crisis we now face, it is highly unlikely that productions will resume after so short a period of time. This problem is likely to continue for months, not weeks, and our concerns about health, benefits and economic stability are shared by the entire membership. Your health and safety and the well-being of your families are paramount to us.”

The COVID-19 virus is having a far-reaching impact on the entertainment service industry, with restaurants being forced to reduce services to takeout only, as well as the sports industry, with the NBA and the MLB games being suspended indefinitely.

Movie theaters have also been shuttered nationwide. And although people stuck at home are watching more TV than ever, crew members on shows that were supposed to be filming, such as “Riverdale” or “Stranger Things” or “Fargo,” are left floundering.

So far, celebrities to test positive for the virus include Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, and “Game of Thrones” star Kristofer Hivju. Meanwhile, Vanessa Hudgens has come under fire for an Instagram video in which she casually dismissed the virus’ impact.

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