Katie O’Brien, an actor, writer, and producer, is using her creativity and platform to support her fellow picketers during the current strike in Hollywood. As a member of both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA, O’Brien understands the importance of standing up for fair treatment and compensation in the entertainment industry.
O’Brien has taken a unique approach to fundraising by selling custom hats through her Instagram account (@katieclaireobrien). These hats feature catchy slogans like “It’s Giving Corporate Greed” and “ChatGPT Wrote This.” Each hat has a suggested donation of $25, with all proceeds going towards supporting the picket lines.
To bring her custom hat fundraising idea to life, O’Brien collaborated with Leah Bubeck of Rollyhog Embroidery. Together, they have created a double-meaning initiative that not only raises money but also promotes awareness for the strike. O’Brien has already sold 120 hats, raising $3,500. The funds have been distributed to strike captains who use the money to purchase essential items such as water and snacks for picketers.
The demand for O’Brien’s custom hats has been steadily growing, gaining more attention as the strike continues. “I did not expect it to become a little business, but that’s what it has turned into,” O’Brien says. She has found joy in exercising her creativity while supporting a cause she believes in.
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However, while O’Brien is finding satisfaction in her fundraising efforts, she faces the challenges of unemployment during this strike. As an actor and writer for the past 10 years, she understands the harsh reality of the industry’s low pay. Going months without work becomes even more painful when the income is already minimal. Despite these difficulties, O’Brien remains optimistic, hoping that the strike will lead to necessary changes in the industry that better support writers and actors.
O’Brien’s initiative not only provides financial relief to those on the picket lines but also serves as a symbol of solidarity among entertainment industry professionals. By wearing her custom hats, individuals show their support for fair treatment and improved working conditions.
In addition to her fundraising efforts, O’Brien has also co-created an all-female networking group called The Buzz. The collaboration with Leah Bubeck for The Buzz’s merchandise led to their partnership for the custom hats project. O’Brien’s commitment to empowering women in the industry goes beyond the strike, and she continues to find ways to support and uplift others.
The accompanying image depicts O’Brien wearing one of her custom hats, which reads, “Writers, Actors, United Together.” The hats have become a symbol of unity and resistance during the strike, and owning one not only supports the cause but also represents a commitment to change within the entertainment industry.
While the strike poses financial challenges for O’Brien and countless others in the industry, she remains hopeful for the future. She believes that this difficult time is necessary for meaningful change to occur. O’Brien’s dedication to the cause and her creative fundraising efforts demonstrate the resilience and determination of those fighting for fair treatment and compensation in Hollywood.
In conclusion, Katie O’Brien’s custom hat fundraising project has not only provided financial support to picketers but has also become a symbol of solidarity within the entertainment industry. By selling hats with catchy slogans, O’Brien has raised money and awareness for the strike while exercising her creativity. Despite the challenges of unemployment, O’Brien remains optimistic and hopeful for a better future for writers and actors. Her initiative serves as an inspiration to others fighting for fair treatment and improved working conditions.
