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The low-budget satirical drama “Dear White People” was lauded by critics, cashed in nearly $5 million at theaters in 2014 and spawned a TV series.
But getting the film made stretched veteran indie producer Effie T. Brown so much that she nearly lost her home.
Over two years, the Echo Park resident said she earned just $40,000 working on the movie, which cost about $1 million to make, despite shepherding its development, working on casting, and delivering it on time and within budget to distributor Lionsgate.
Brown is among more than 100 feature film producers who recently ratified the constitution for a new union they hope will provide the kind of basic healthcare, pay and protections afforded by most other unionized Hollywood workers.