Actor Cheyenne Jackson launched the One Job Away project in Los Angeles to help fellow performers meet the minimum earnings threshold of $28,000 required to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health insurance, abc7.com reported. The initiative gains attention as industry workers and lawmakers address a severe lack of production jobs in the region.
Cheyenne Jackson Launches One Job Away Project
Jackson, known for roles in American Horror Story and Glee, started the effort after actress Kathy Bates helped him secure a speaking role. That role allowed him to meet the $28,000 earnings threshold necessary to protect his husband and twins with health coverage. Now, Jackson is encouraging other actors who fall just short of qualifying to participate in the project.
Hollywood Production Job Shortages Discussed at Television Academy
The health insurance crisis stems from a broader shortage of work in the entertainment industry, according to industry leaders and lawmakers who gathered for a hearing at the Television Academy. Actress Kate Linder highlighted the precarious nature of the profession during the hearing. We’re all just one job away because we don’t know what’s happening. We have to fix this,
Linder said.
Jason George, an actor and producer on Grey’s Anatomy who serves as a SAG-AFTRA national board member, pushed back against suggestions that eligibility problems stem from higher earnings requirements. The reality is it all comes back to jobs,
George said. He added that people are not working because production jobs have left Los Angeles.
California Lawmakers Weigh Production Tax Credit Solutions
State lawmakers point to tax incentives as a key tool to keep film and television production in California and restore local employment. Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, D-District 41, noted that the state’s tax credit program struggles to compete with other jurisdictions. We have a tax credit program that isn’t yet competitive with other states,
Zbur said, pointing out that programs elsewhere are uncapped while California’s remains limited.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAG-AFTRA Health Coverage
What is the minimum earnings threshold for SAG-AFTRA health insurance?
Performers must earn at least $28,000 to qualify for the union’s health insurance coverage.
Why are entertainment workers struggling to meet the insurance threshold?
SAG-AFTRA national board member Jason George attributes the difficulty to a lack of available production jobs in Los Angeles rather than an increased earnings requirement from the union.
What are lawmakers proposing to bring production back to Los Angeles?
State lawmakers suggest increasing incentives and expanding the state’s film and television tax credit program to make California competitive with uncapped programs in other states.
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