Would you rather have famous actors take your dog for a walk or help you solve a New York Times crossword puzzle? You can have both, albeit at potentially hefty prices, as celebrities launch an online auction to assist production crew members in covering their healthcare expenses during the months-long Hollywood actor and writer strike.
Special encounters and greetings include “Parks and Recreation” star Adam Scott walking your dog for an hour. Note: Your dog must be LA-based – current bid stands at $3,050 (£2,458).
Alternatively, “Girls” star Lena Dunham can paint a mural in your home – with the current bid at $5,100 (£4,110) – or you can take a ceramics class in New York with actor Busy Philipps.
The eBay sale is organized by the Union Solidarity Coalition, a charity established by Hollywood writers and directors in May to offer financial support.
Bidding is open until September 22.
So, what else is on offer?
There’s a signed fedora by singer Tom Waits. Or the cast of “Bob’s Burgers” will “sing a song written just for you” if you can beat the current bid, which stands at $5,000 (£4,028).
Natasha Lyonne, star of Netflix’s “Russian Doll,” will help you solve a New York Times crossword puzzle for 15 minutes if your bid wins. The listing promises an “existential conversation for 15 minutes with Natasha Lyonne and her dog, Rootbeer.”
“Better Call Saul” actor Bob Odenkirk and his co-star from “Mr. Show,” David Cross, will dine with you in New York or Los Angeles – or if you can’t travel, they’ll send delivery from your favorite local restaurant and dine with you via Zoom. Bidding goes up to $7,100 (£5,721).
Oscar and Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow offers to paint your dog. The winning bidder is invited to submit four to five photos, “and John Lithgow will enthusiastically paint a watercolor portrait of your furry friend,” as stated in the auction listing.
Members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) joined the Writers Guild, who have been on strike since May, in July.
They have been unable to reach an agreement with studios and streaming giants regarding issues of pay, working conditions, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.
SAG accuses the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) of being “unwilling to offer a fair deal.” Until an agreement is reached, thousands will continue to go without healthcare services and lose their jobs.
