Behind the Scenes Foundation

The Behind the Scenes Foundation provides financial grants to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured. While its primary focus is on crew and technical workers, its mission supports anyone working in the broader production ecosystem.

Grant applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with funds directed toward medical expenses, living costs, and other critical needs during periods of illness or recovery. The application process is straightforward and handled with discretion.

The foundation also sponsors educational programs and safety initiatives aimed at preventing workplace injuries in the entertainment industry. Their advocacy work has helped raise awareness of the physical demands placed on production workers.

All grants and services are provided free of charge, funded entirely by donations from the entertainment community. Industry events and corporate sponsors contribute to the foundation's ongoing mission.

If you or a colleague in the production world is facing a health crisis, Behind the Scenes can provide critical financial relief during a vulnerable time. Their understanding of industry-specific challenges makes the process empathetic and efficient. The foundation also hosts fundraising events throughout the year, including their signature galas and industry networking gatherings, which serve the dual purpose of raising money and building community awareness. Their growing focus on mental health and suicide prevention within the production community reflects an evolving understanding of the full spectrum of wellness challenges facing entertainment technology workers.

All grants and services provided by the Behind the Scenes Foundation are completely free to eligible recipients, with no application fees, repayment obligations, or strings attached. Grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis and can range from a few thousand dollars to cover immediate medical expenses up to larger amounts for extended treatment or recovery periods. The foundation is funded entirely by donations from the entertainment community, with major support from equipment manufacturers, production companies, and individual donors at industry events. There are no membership dues, subscription fees, or any other costs associated with accessing the foundation's assistance. Compared to general charitable organizations that process medical assistance requests, Behind the Scenes offers faster turnaround times and a deeper understanding of entertainment industry employment challenges. The foundation's lean operational structure ensures that a high percentage of donated funds go directly to grants and programs rather than administrative overhead.

We recommend the Behind the Scenes Foundation as an essential safety net resource for anyone working in entertainment production technology, including lighting, sound, rigging, scenic construction, and related technical disciplines. It is most directly valuable for crew members and technicians who face serious illness or injury and lack sufficient health insurance or savings to cover medical expenses and living costs during recovery. Actors and other on-camera talent should be aware of this resource primarily so they can refer crew colleagues who may be struggling, as the entertainment community's interconnected nature means performers are often the first to notice when a crew member is in distress. If you are dealing with a less severe health issue that does not prevent you from working, general assistance programs through your union or the Entertainment Community Fund may be more appropriate. For mental health support, organizations like the Entertainment Community Fund and MPTF offer more comprehensive ongoing counseling services, though Behind the Scenes is increasingly active in this area. We encourage everyone in the production community to attend Behind the Scenes fundraising events, as the foundation's survival depends on the generosity of the industry it serves.

If you are applying for a grant, reach out to the foundation as early as possible in your health crisis rather than waiting until you have exhausted all other options, as early intervention leads to better financial and health outcomes. Prepare basic documentation of your entertainment industry employment history and your medical situation before contacting the foundation, as having this information ready will speed up the application process. If you are a healthy production professional, save the foundation's contact information and share it with your crew, as awareness is the biggest barrier to people getting help when they need it most. Consider making the Behind the Scenes Foundation a regular recipient of your charitable giving, even in small amounts, as the production community's collective contributions sustain the grant program year after year. Attend their educational safety programs and implement the recommendations on your productions, as preventing injuries is always preferable to treating them after the fact. If you are a production supervisor or department head, post the foundation's information in your crew call sheets and shop bulletin boards so that every member of your team knows where to turn if they face a health crisis.