Auctions have emerged as a new means for Hollywood workers to show solidarity and support for their fellow industry members during the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Two organizations, the Union Solidarity Coalition (TUSC) and WGARAGE Sale, have launched separate auctions that offer fans the opportunity to purchase rare and classic memorabilia, props, and more from their favorite shows.
TUSC’s auction, which follows a successful fundraising event in July, will run until August 5th at 4 p.m. PT. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the TUSC Fund at the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF), supporting movie crew members in California who are at risk of losing their healthcare due to the writers and actors strikes. The money from winning bids will go towards the MPTF’s Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions (EHIS) program, which helps connect all industry workers with healthcare. EHIS and the MPTF will work directly with members to help them sign up for health plans, with TUSC covering their premiums.
The items being auctioned include an autographed poster of Mel Brooks’ “Spaceballs,” Abbi Jacobson’s blue bodycon dress from “Broad City,” script evaluations from the Blacklist, a virtual writing workshop with Amber Tamblyn, handmade crafts by Seth Rogen, Lena Dunham, and Justine Bateman, a curated dining experience in New York courtesy of Nicholas Braun from “Succession,” in-person meet-ups with Brett Gelman from “Fleabag” and “Stranger Things,” and a private hangout with Woody Harrelson at his West Hollywood dispensary, The Woods, or his soon-to-open bar, Holy Water.
WGARAGE Sale’s auction, which began on Thursday, will donate 100% of its winning bids to The Entertainment Community Fund. The auction will feature movie and TV props, signed posters, memorabilia, cast and crew gifts, viewing parties, set visits, script reviews, voice acting lessons, animation cells, and even custom strike signs. These items have been donated by writers from fans’ favorite shows, including “BoJack Horseman,” “Futurama,” “Seinfeld,” “Better Call Saul,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Succession,” “The Black Phone,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Bill & Ted,” “Bones,” and more.
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These auctions coincide with other efforts to support workers impacted by the strikes. IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, partnered with the L.A. Food Bank and L.A. County Federation of Labor to host a three-hour food drive for affected workers. Organizations like Pay Up Hollywood, The Inevitable Foundation, and Humanitas have also been providing food and financial assistance to those in need.
The Hollywood industry is showing remarkable unity and support during these challenging times. The auctions not only give fans a chance to own unique collectibles but also contribute to a worthy cause. By participating in these auctions, individuals can help ensure that healthcare coverage remains available to California movie crew members and support workers facing the impact of the strikes. It is a testament to the compassion and resilience of the Hollywood community that they are coming together in such creative ways to support one another.
