Oregon Film: Production and COVID19

Oregon Film is closely monitoring the current situation regarding the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID19). We are communicating with producers, companies and studios alike and we are working with stakeholders such as the OMPA and the Northwest Film Center to provide updates to the community.

We know that several productions have already delayed or cancelled their shoots here in light of the recommendations from both the state and the CDC and that this is directly impacting everyone working throughout our industry.

We will work with the Governor’s office, state and federal representatives and all of our partners and community members in the industry to ensure that productions and companies that have been impacted or postponed can hit the ground running once this difficult time passes.

We would also like to share some links to resources as/when we see them become available. Those are listed below. We will be updating this page on an ongoing basis.

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SMALL BUSINESS

The State of Oregon has officially been designated for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance. Small businesses and non-profits of any size can now apply for these low-interest loans. These loans are available to small businesses and non-profit organizations that have suffered an economic injury due to the current COVID-19 related disaster. More information is available on the Small Business Administration website and in the declaration.

In addition, $350 billion has been approved in the federal stimulus package for Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loans of up to $10 million for small businesses—including nonprofits (with less than 500 employees), sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals (like individual artists)—to cover payroll costs, mortgage/rent costs, utilities, and other operations. These loans can be forgiven if used for those purposes. Find out more here.

Business Oregon Small Business Resource Navigator

Prosper Portland has launched a Small Business Relief Fund – find out more her e.

The OMPA has put out a quick resource guide – find it here.

Small Business Assoc’s “Paycheck Protection Program” – An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Senator Merkley has put out a recap of how the Federal stimulus bill helps small businesses, read it here.

Rep. Blumenauer has an Economic Stabilization page on his website, read it here.

INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYEES

Unemployment Expansion and FAQs from Congr. Earl Blumenauer

Resources for Unemployed Workers

Oregon Department of Employment – Register online for unemployment

Oregon Department of Employment – COVID Related Unemployment

Creative Capital has joined forces with several national arts grantmakers to form Artist Relief—an initiative that includes immediate, unrestricted emergency funding of $5,000 for individual artists of all disciplines, and resources to help those in need due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Go to artistrelief.org to learn more and apply.

RACC Artists Relief Fund

Rep. Blumenauer has an Economic Stabilization page on his website, read it here.

The OMPA has put out a quick resource guide – find it here.

Worksystems Inc public spreadsheet on companies looking to hire now with low entry barriers to employment

Americans for the Arts has posted information and tips to support the arts sector

IATSE – Recap of the “phase three” federal stimulus package – read it here

IASTE – Resources for Oregon & Washington

Cutaway – Assistance for Freelance and Gig Workers

NY Times: Your Money – A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus

The Wrap – Financial Aid for TV and Film Workers

Work Share allows employers to leverage Partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for employers whose workforce is impacted by COVID-19 – go to Work Share Oregon

Information for employers, workers, and job seekers go to Oregon Employment Department

NON PROFITS AND ORGS

The National Endowment for the Arts announced its guidelines to swiftly distribute funding to nonprofit arts organizations from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to preserve jobs and help support organizations forced to close operations due to the spread of COVID-19.

MENTAL HEALTH

Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Mental Health and Anxiety Management

NAMI Updates on the Coronavirus

OTHER HEALTH

A comprehensive list of food resources from how to apply for SNAP (or report a decrease in income) to food pantries to school meal replacements.
Accessing Food During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Information on personal hygiene, social distancing, and what to do if you are sick:
OHA Coronavirus Page

How to protect yourself:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

What to do if you’re sick:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

WHO Updates:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen

STATE OF WASHINGTON

King County Creative – Info on Unemployment and Financial Help for Creatives

Washington Film Works – COVID19 Resources

FEDERAL STIMULUS “CARES” ACT

“CARES” Act Notable Benefits for Arts and Entertainment Workers:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) extends unemployment benefits to those who otherwise would not qualify, including the self-employed and independent contractors
Increased maximum unemployment benefit by $600 per week through July 31
Extended unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks
A direct $1,200 payment to heads of households earning up to $112,500 or other individuals earning up to $75,000 per year
A direct $2,400 payment to married couples earning up to $150,000 per year
A direct payment of $500 for each child under 16
Increases funding by $75 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and $75 million for the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities
Increases funding by $75 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Establishes forgivable loans and grants for small businesses and nonprofits so that they can continue to run

You can read the CARES Act legislation passed today here.

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Here are some other potentially helpful resources: