WME releases moving video for the festive season
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Created by Sam Bradford of production company Praxima, the video, available to view here, offers a stark reminder of the harrowing consequences of the pandemic for arts and events professionals, many of whom have had to take on different jobs to survive financially in a year that saw their work calendar wiped out.
The video is also an apparent rebuttal of the controversial 'Fatima' advert that depicted a young ballet dancer as part of the UK government's reskilling campaign.
“At this time of year, we should be working hard and enjoying the best live events and entertainment in the world,” comments lead producer of #WeMakeEvents, Gary White. “This is a season that can be challenging for many. It is now made harder by the lack of work. We wanted to create a film that is heartfelt, to show our industry that, as an organisation, ‘we have your back’ and to remind the public that we still need support.”
Bradford adds: “This has been a hard year for our industry, and I recognise that they are still fighting for a return to normality, to be able to do what they love. We wanted to create a touching and honest film that everyone can connect to.”
White continues: “As we know, it takes an extensive supply chain of businesses and freelancers to put on a show, exhibition, gig or event. With this now breaking down because of lack of financial support from the government, when we do come back, the landscape may have drastically altered. These careers aren’t learned over night; they take time to craft and hone. People who work in this industry do it because they have a passion for their work.”
#WeMakeEvents raises money for industry charity Backup. Backup’s remit has always been to help those in the technical entertainment sector facing financial hardship due to illness or injury. In response to the current crisis, it has been able to create a separate Hardship Fund which provides direct support and gives a percentage of the money raised by #WeMakeEvents to other charities including Acting for Others, Music Support, Stagehand and #MakeItBlue. Support can be applied for directly through wemakeevents.com/charity.
#WeMakeEvents has organised a number of fundraising initiatives throughout the year including producing a range of merchandise, joined forces for a Survival Tour bike challenge and with the forthcoming Silent Nights on 18 December. Artists have also jumped onboard to support their crew with ‘Survival Sessions’ including Frank Turner, Amy Macdonald and Niall Horan who have collectively raised thousands to support crews facing hardship.
The #WeMakeEvents Speakeasy is open throughout Christmas. For talks, entertainment or just a chat, go to wemakeevents.com/speakeasy and use the password rat.a.tat.tat.
