Two industry collectives have mounted new initiatives to raise awareness of the live industry’s ongoing battle to raise funds for industry charity Backup amid the COVID-19 crisis.
ThroughoutMarch, #WeNeedCrew’s new initiative #moveforcrew is challenging people to walk or run 31 miles in their local area. The equivalent of 50 times around the perimeter of Wembley Stadium, which it has chosen as the focal point for the challenge to symbolise how much we are all missing live entertainment.
#WeNeedCrew, which was started by Karen Ringland and Alice Martin, believes that treating mental health issues should be even more of a priority now. #moveforcrew’s aim is to raise vital funds to pay for therapy sessions for those in need and connect our community with certified practitioners who understand our industry.
“The #WeNeedCrew campaign has successfully galvanised the music touring industry to raise funds for the UK crews. The campaign has made a real difference to people’s lives giving hope and helping to alleviate real financial hardship,” said Backup Vice Chairman, Piers Shepperd. “Backup quickly identified that some people needed more than financial support and we therefore warmly welcome the new initiative #moveforcrew. This new campaign will raise funds to provide mental health support for our colleagues who work across music, theatre, TV and film.”
#WeMakeEvents, meanwhile, launched a powerful new video campaign last week to highlight the ongoing hardship and struggles of the live events supply chain.
Supported by some of the biggest stars in music, comedy and theatre – the campaign aims to raise awareness of the 700,000 people in the supply chain, the majority of whom have not been able to work for the past 12 months, and launches TEXTING TEXTING ONETWO, an appeal to raise funds for these highly skilled people through Backup.
Introduced by Simon Callow, one of Backup’s patrons, artists including Sir Mick Jagger, Katherine Jenkins, Midge Ure, James Bay, Biffy Clyro, Enter Shikari, Griff Rhys Jones, Christopher Eccleston, Paul Whitehouse, Angus Deayton, Lucy Porter, Stephen K Amos, Deborah Frances-White, Kevin Day, The Kooks, Sam Fender, Feeder, along with a new music video by Frank Turner, explain how, without expert technicians, transporters, logistics experts, caterers, riggers and production staff, live events cannot return.
“With the generous help of #WeMakeEvents and #WeNeedCrew, Backup has raised and granted over half a million pounds to our colleagues throughout the entertainment industry who have not worked for a year and have not received any meaningful Government or Council help,” said Backup Chairman, John Simpson. “These new initiatives of TEXTING TEXTING ONETWO and #moveforcrew and the amazing generosity of so many will enable Backup to continue to support those technicians and their families who are still facing despair and financial hardship.”
To donate to ‘TEXTING TEXTING ONETWO’, text ONETWO12 to 70085 to donate £12, ONETWO5 to donate £5 and so on. This goes straight to the Backup and gift aid can be added.
To donate to #moveforcrew visit: uk.gofundme.com/c/act/move-for-crew