A letter from PNYA executive director Mitzie Rothzeid:
Dear PNYA Members and Post Production Colleagues,
On Sunday, March 1, Governor Cuomo announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in New York State. The next day I started my position as the PNYA Executive Director - so this constitutes my announcement. But more importantly, I have information to share with the members and community about this crisis.
SURVEY FOR THE ENTIRE POST PRODUCTION COMMUNITY: PLEASE fill out a short survey to help us assess the total anticipated impact of this crisis on the post-production industry in NYS. The PNYA will communicate the findings to our legislative reps and make recommendations for measures to bring immediate relief to our community and to incentivize projects to return to NYS in the future.
All Individuals working in post-production in NYS, including company member representatives, sponsored members, and MINY graduates. We encourage you all to forward this survey to post-production colleagues:
Owners and operators of NYS post-production facilities:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
New York State Department of Labor Information on how to file an unemployment claim if affected by the coronavirus. labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has financial assistance programs for local businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Employee Retention Grant Program offers small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees. The Small Business Continuity Fund will offer eligible businesses to apply for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.
NYC Office of Emergency Management has developed a
list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance.
ACTIONS:
Membership Dues Relief - we are extending all PNYA memberships for two months and postponing our company membership dues increase, scheduled to take effect this month.
Community - We are working on providing virtual meetings, workshops, and programs for the membership. Members- please let me know if you would like to get involved in content and implementation.
Again, I urge you to complete the short survey, explore your options through the government links, and stay connected, informed and healthy.
Mitzie Rothzeid
Executive Director
Post New York Alliance
mrothzeid@postnewyork.org