Tom Hardy steps in to save unpaid crew from financial ruin
- Approximately 50 freelance set builders were unpaid due to Helix 3D's financial issues.
- Tom Hardy offered to help the workers before Christmas, prompting Paramount TV to take action.
- Paramount TV ultimately paid the owed wages, ensuring relief for the affected crew.
In December 2024, a significant financial issue arose involving the production of Guy Ritchie's upcoming television series, 'Fixer,' located in the United Kingdom. Approximately 50 freelance set builders faced a distressing situation as they learned that the construction company responsible for their wages, Helix 3D, would not be paying them around £250,000 owed for their work. This news came just before Christmas, leaving the workers in a dire state. Helix 3D has been anticipated to enter liquidation, creating additional worries about the future of the workers' compensation. The production company, 101 Studios, along with MTV Studios, had previously contracted Helix 3D to perform the necessary set construction work over the summer months. Due to unforeseen financial hardships faced by Helix 3D, which is now reportedly unable to fulfill its payment obligations, the set builders found themselves in an unprecedented financial predicament. These events raised concerns not only about the direct consequences for the workers but also about overall labor practices within the industry, particularly regarding the treatment of freelance workers. In an act of kindness, Tom Hardy, the show's star, stepped forward to address the unfortunate situation. Hardy's intervention brought significant attention to the plight of these vulnerable workers, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the entertainment industry. The dire circumstances prompted Paramount TV to intervene and ensure that the wages for the distressed crew were paid out before Christmas, alleviating some of the immediate financial strain. This gesture highlighted Paramount's commitment to its workforce and to rectifying a situation that could otherwise have resulted in widespread distress for the families of those involved. The actions taken by Hardy and Paramount illustrate the critical role that major industry figures can play in addressing injustices faced by individuals working in precarious situations. The resolution of this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring fair and timely remuneration for all workers, particularly in creative industries where freelance work is commonplace. The positive outcome ultimately restored hope and financial stability for the set builders, allowing them to celebrate the holiday season with relief rather than worry.