Southern California continues to grapple with the chaos and destruction caused by raging wildfires, which have severely impacted the entertainment industry, disrupting film events, award ceremonies, and production schedules. As of this writing, strong winds and arid conditions have intensified the flames, leading to the destruction of over 10,000 structures and the evacuation of more than 360,000 residents. Tragically, the death toll has risen to 25.
Cinematographer Gareth Taylor explained that on January 7th, barely a week into the new year, “we were awakened by high winds which seemed to come from nowhere”. He hurried to take down the sail that usually provides shade to his patio, which “would have been ripped off” soon afterwards.
“A few hours later in the early afternoon while walking to pick my son up from school, I saw a giant plume of smoke coming from the Palisades area,” Taylor said. “The sheer size and darkness of the smoke told me it was massive. Upon watching the news I was shocked, like everyone else, to discover images of absolute apocalyptic proportion.”
He added that the following day, “the wind gave way to a smoke cover that made the sunlight turn orange like scenes from Blade Runner 2049”. He praised the “extraordinary response” of the people of LA. “In providing help to others has been touching and beautiful,” Taylor continued. “Everyone is coming together to show that those in loss are not alone. I marvelled at my son going through his toys and books to fill up bags to take to the relief centre.”
Fellow cinematographer Sheldon Chau, who lives in San Gabriel, said the week before the fires he and his wife took their pug to Eaton Canyon and remarked on how it was such a gem of a hike in Los Angeles. “Now, it’s completely gone, along with the all the homes and shops in Altadena that we drove by on the way up,” he said. “It’s devastating. My heart goes out to all the families who celebrated the holidays together only to have their lives turned upside down in less than a day. A disaster like this should bring humanity together, and the amount of help and support seen between the firefighters and also the people in surrounding communities is heartwarming. But then you have those – even supposed leaders of this country – who spew hateful tweets and show no remorse in their social media comments about how LA deserves this. What is this country we live in?”
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS OF MAJOR EVENTS
The fires have led to the closure of key entertainment venues. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk have been shut down due to severe winds and fire danger. Additionally, the Hollywood premieres of films like Wolf Man and Unstoppable have been cancelled.
The historic ASC clubhouse, a landmark for the cinematography community, was also imperilled by the advancing wildfires, underscoring the precarious situation faced by industry institutions. As cinematographer Alice Brooks ASC shared in a social media post, efforts to safeguard the clubhouse demonstrate the dedication of the ASC during this crisis.
Director and executive producer David Green (Buster, Bridezillas) echoed the apocalyptic nature of the situation, stating: “Nature taking revenge on seemingly perfect lives… apocalyptic, a word I’ve never used before, not even when I was close to the epicentre of the 6.8 earthquake in LA in ’94, or in NYC on 9/11… I’m about six miles away from the flames in Marina del Rey, a relatively fire-safe corner of LA, so I’m fine… but far too many are not… their lives changed forever.”
HALTS IN PRODUCTION
Numerous film and television productions have been forced to halt due to hazardous conditions. Popular shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, Hacks, Ted Lasso, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! have suspended filming. These interruptions not only delay release schedules but also have financial implications, affecting workers across various sectors of the industry.
VENUE CLOSURES AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Beyond production halts, the fires have significantly impacted the region’s infrastructure. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk remain closed due to fire dangers and the premieres of anticipated films have been cancelled to ensure public safety. These closures highlight the precarious balance between maintaining operations and safeguarding lives during such crises.
ECONOMIC AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES
The economic toll of the wildfires on the entertainment industry is immense. With an estimated cost of $50 billion, the disaster ranks among the most expensive natural catastrophes in US history. The destruction of infrastructure and displacement of residents, including many industry professionals, has created logistical nightmares for event organisers and production teams struggling to maintain schedules.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE AND SOLIDARITY
In the face of these unprecedented challenges, the entertainment community has come together in solidarity. Discussions are ongoing about networks potentially donating revenue from award show broadcasts to assist fire victims and support firefighting efforts. This collective response underscores the industry’s commitment to supporting the communities it operates within.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The ASC has set up a relief fund for members, staff and crew affected by the wildfires, which will be distributed through the Motion Picture Television Fund.
“These tragic events have deeply impacted our community. We are grateful to partner with the Motion Picture and Television Fund to support our members, staff and crews from the Local 600, 728, and 80. The American Society of Cinematographers is deeply thankful for your generosity during these challenging times,” the ASC wrote on its site.
Please visit the ASC website, the donation page or use the QR code below.
- Federal Assistance: Individuals requiring recovery aid can apply through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- American Red Cross: CBS News Los Angeles has partnered with the Red Cross, which is staffing evacuation centres and providing emergency supplies.
- World Central Kitchen: Founded by chef José Andrés, this organisation is distributing food and water across Southern California, with volunteer chefs on standby to prepare meals.
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Donations to its wildfire emergency fund support firefighters by supplying tools and equipment needed to combat the blazes.
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Accepting food donations and volunteers to assist with relief efforts.
- California Fire Foundation: Providing financial support to affected residents through its wildfire and disaster relief fund, which helps victims rebuild and recover.
- League of California Community Foundations: Coordinating statewide relief efforts, including funds for rebuilding homes, replacing lost belongings, and offering mental health services.
- Anderson Munger Family YMCA: Seeking donations of food, snacks, water, and emergency supplies, which can be delivered to its Koreatown location.
- International Medical Corps: Working with local health groups to deliver hygiene and first-aid kits and ready to assist health facilities as needed.
- Women in Media has launched a LA Fire Support fundraising campaign, which is providing essential relief to those impacted by the tragic fires in Los Angeles. By donating e-gift cards for necessities or making a direct contribution, you can support the community and help individuals get the immediate assistance they need with dignity. To learn more or donate, visit the campaign here, and for major gifts or to donate credit card points, email emergencyrelief@womennmedia.com.
Your contributions, whether through donations or volunteer efforts, can make a significant difference to those affected by this disaster.
