COPING THROUGH CRISIS: HOW TO BE A HERO IN THE LA FIRES
The winds of change howl like a villainous storm, and flames roar across the landscape of Los Angeles. The #LA fires are not just a force of nature—they are a call to action. In moments like these, ordinary individuals are faced with the extraordinary opportunity to become heroes. But how do you answer the call when you’re caught in a crisis?
First, we were battling the specter of the Mediapocalypse that has decimated the media, film and tv industries. Now Hollywood has a new supervillain: as of January 15, 2025, the LA fires have devastated approximately 62.5 square miles of LA County - almost 13%.
To compare size of the fire to other cities:
· 275% bigger than the entire island of Manhattan.
· 33% larger than the entire city of San Francisco.
· 39% more than the entire city of Boston.
Now is the time to step up and be a Hero in the LA fires. Regardless of your time, financial situation, and emotional bandwidth, everyone can be a Hero even in the smallest of ways. Even if it just benefits one person – even if that person is just you or your dog. Acts of kindness makes both you and the recipient feel better.
It’s more than a social media trend, in my coaching practice we often frame our work within the idea that everyone has #maincharacterenergy. You are the Hero of your own story and you can (re)frame your story from helplessness to one where you show up and help save LA. Those of us in the media and entertainment industries are already Superheroes. As a Showrunner, I regularly hardcore teams who have truly pull off the impossible in high stakes, high pressure and even dangerous situations. No one has resilience, resourcefulness, and grit like production folks.
How to be Hero LA Needs:
1. Take time to go Back to 1: rest, pause and reset. Heroes stand calmly in the face of the worst villains. Just having a calm demeanor can save a ship from sinking.
2. Consider small acts of kindness: real talk, many of us want to be supportive but don’t have the bandwidth or resources to help in a “big” way. Don’t forget there’s tremendous heroism in the small acts of kindness so stop doomscrolling and do something!
Buy a devastated looking stranger a cup of coffee. Hold the door open, smile. Give someone grace when they’re holding up the line. Or even just saying to someone, “I hope things get better” can make both your day and theirs.
3. Inventory your Superpowers: we’re Producers, Production Management, Crew, Editors. They’re all highly valuable skillsets in a crisis. Find a way to use your impressive skills to help – any little bit can help.
4. Listen Mindfully and Be Supportive: Producers are great listeners and motivators – so connecting with a friend who is struggling and listening without judgement can be powerful. We could all use encouragement right now. Checking in to show that you care goes a long way.
Just asking “are you ok?” with no follow up is a closed question. You’re going to usually get a one word answer. That’s not enough.
Please don’t say “Do you have a place to go?” that question can be shaming and induce even more anxiety - a lot of people don’t have anywhere to go, or are struggling to afford paying for a place to go. “Is your Go Bag packed?” is another closed question that can feel like a judgement.
Many of us have spent literally hours interviewing and chatting up our Talent. Use those skills now to get people to relax with open ended, personalized questions. Instead of “How are you doing?” ask “I know you’re in an evacuation zone, how are you feeling?”
Most people don’t need your advice right now. They need someone to just listen, not solve problems, not give helpful suggestions; give them a supportive space to express their feelings. Ask if it’s helpful before giving advice or guidance.
Be aware that everyone is exhausted and on edge from being on Firewatch - so we are not are our best. You may get folks responding oddly or even irritably - be patient and empathetic. Sometimes folks aren’t in a place where they can process their emotions, a smile, a hug or just someone to sit with them for a moment goes a long way.
5. Volunteer your time: Here’s some traditional ways to volunteer (but mask up if you’re going outside ya’ll!)
Also consider using your creativity to problem solve one-on-one for your friends, family and colleagues. Be specific but ask permission first. It’s not always the thought that counts. Ask permission to share your ideas of how you can help first. Life feels unpredictable and out of control - asking for consent before offering solutions puts them in the driver’s seat.
The sheer grief of the situation can make it difficult for people to act or navigate the confusing world of applying for FEMA aid. A Showrunner can help craft an entire recovery plan, a Line Producer could help with a budget for recovery, Production Manager can navigate bureaucratic forms, a Coordinator can collect and organize needed supplies, an Editor can pull together an eye-catching GoFundMe. Be Bold and tap into your own creativity and see how you can harness your superpowers in service to someone else.
People are overwhelmed, especially those folks who have lost their homes. Offer to help with specific projects vs. a vague “let me know if you need anything.” Losing everything is humbling. Folks have a hard time asking for help - so be the great communicator that you are and be creative, specific and ask if they’re open to ideas.
5. Donate: Food and material goods are much needed right now. However, do it mindfully. Focus on quality: is this something you would personally want if you’ve lost everything? I promise you, that bag of holey socks and faded t-shirts that you’ve been meaning to take to Goodwill is not what LA needs right now. Donate new, clean unopened clothing - especially socks and undergarments.
I’m still recovering from major surgery so I’m physically limited. To make matters worse, I’m a virtual shut in: if I leave the house (with a mask, please wear your masks ya’ll) I am hit with violent asthma attacks. Fun fact: I don’t actually have asthma as a pre-existing condition. I too, have been hit by the Mediapocalypse so my ability to make financial donations is also relatively meager. So I’m offering a non-judgemental ear to listen: FREE confidential, trauma-informed coaching to help folks process their emotions and figure out next steps. No strings attached; I won’t pressure anyone to sign up for paid sessions. With humility, I’m genuinely offering to listen and support.
Want to Be Hero?
How to Volunteer: here.
Where to Donate: here
Donate to Food Banks: here
Take a deeper dive into the Action Steps you can take to Go Back to 1 during a crisis:
(Re)watch a 1 Minute video to chill out and get more tips here.
Coping Through Crisis: Why Going Back to 1 Is An Act Of Leadership here
Coping with Crisis: The Dark Side of the News and Doomscrolling Strikes Back! here
Coping With Crisis: Resist the Dark Side of News and Doomscrolling here.
Want to explore 1:1 Confidential, Trauma informed Coaching from a seasoned TV Executive?
Please share your own tips in the comments too. After all, we’re in this together!
For those of you in film/tv who have been affected by the LA fires and are looking for entertainment industry disaster relief resources, the Producer’s Guild has released a list from the Entertainment Community Fund.
#LASTRONG
