Streaming giant Netflix has made a donation of ₹7.5 crores to the Producers Guild of India (PGI) Relief Fund.
The donation was made to help daily wage workers in the Indian creative community as they have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has cause several closures and halts in productions within the TV, film and digital industry affecting the lives and jobs of many creatives. This includes various streaming platforms such as Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix delaying releases of new originals and seasons.
This includes popular shows like Stranger Things that was all set to return with its season four:
Netflix has also decided to provide four-weeks worth of pay for below-the-line crew and cast who were affected by the closures.
Siddharth Roy Kapur, President of PGI stated:
“I am proud of and thankful to the entire fraternity for contributing to the fund we have created to support our colleagues at this difficult time. We value Netflix’s generous commitment to this fund and their resolve to help those who need our help the most.”
This donation comes ahead of the announcement made by Netflix US and Canada last month as they set up a $100 million relief fund to help creative communities across the world.
Out of the $100 million, $15 million was set aside for third parties and non-profits who are helping people survive the repercussions of this pandemic. Netflix India’s contribution is part of this $15 million.