Tom Hardy, the renowned actor known for his role in the popular series Peaky Blinders, recently stepped up to support the crew of his upcoming show Fixer after they faced significant financial difficulties. According to London’s The Sunday Times, Hardy offered to personally assist his team when contractors revealed they had not been paid for their work.
The show, which is being produced by Paramount +, employed 50 workers over the summer, hired by Helix 3D for set construction. Although these contractors were technically employed and working on the series, Helix 3D ran out of funds and could not pay them. The unpaid wages amounted to approximately £250,000, or $315,000 USD, leaving many workers facing financial hardship just before the holiday season.
A leaked WhatsApp message from December indicated the dire situation, confirming the inability of Helix 3D to comply with the payment obligations. A source close to Hardy told The Sunday Times about the actor's offer to cover the costs: "He offered to [pay], but the production and Paramount have sorted the payment." This indicates Hardy’s willingness to support his team personally.
When news of the situation reached Paramount, the studio expressed outrage. A spokesperson stated they were actively working to remedy the payment issue. Hardy’s proactive support came at a time when the situation dramatically affected the workers, especially with the timing close to Christmas.
Chris Hudson, a union organizer for the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union, criticized Helix 3D for its financial mismanagement. "Our members deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and compensated on time for their work. It is wholly unacceptable..." Hudson stated, emphasizing the dire consequences of unpaid wages during the holiday season. He noted the pressure workers face during this difficult time, worsening their mental health and emotional stability.
Hudson elaborated, "This close to Christmas, our members are rightly very distressed, with many fearing they will be unable to cover necessities.” He expressed concern over the psychological impacts of such financial precarity, especially as the holiday neared, amplifying workers’ anxieties about their ability to provide for their families.
Criticism extended to the lack of foresight from Helix 3D. Hudson pointed out, "What does seem to have been avoidable was the lack of foresight..." highlighting the poor communication from the company throughout the course of employment. Workers had not been informed of Helix’s financial troubles, leaving them blindsided by the unpaid wages.
Despite these setbacks, Hardy continues to pursue Fixer, which also stars Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, making it one of the most anticipated series on Paramount +. Directed by the renowned Guy Ritchie, known for his hits like The Gentlemen and Sherlock Holmes, the production aims to deliver compelling storytelling and engaging performances.
Hardy's swift action and involvement demonstrate his commitment not only as the lead actor but as someone who genuinely cares for his team and their welfare. While the situation was regrettable, it brought to light significant issues within the industry concerning labor practices, fair compensation, and the necessity of communication between employers and those they employ.
On the eve of the holiday season, the lessons gleaned from this ordeal remain stark—workers deserve fair treatment, and proactive measures need to be instated to avoid similar situations. With Paramount + working to resolve the issue, it stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by workers within the entertainment industry.