Bushwick is famous for its community of filmmakers. A quick GoogleMaps search brings up nearly two dozen small studios in the neighborhood. In all of New York, the film industry supplies around 185,000 jobs. But the reality of being a film worker can be quite dark.

In August, Brooklyn-based lighting technician Ben Gottlieb started an Instagram page called “IATSE Stories” that shares horror stories of working in the industry. In screenshots of submissions, workers detail low pay, long hours, emotional abuse and the cumulative effects on their mental and physical health. 

The account has amassed 52,000 followers and attracted press coverage from major news outlets across the country. An article in Vanity Fair even cited the account as inspiring the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) strike. The union has around 150,000 members and includes workers in TV and movies, live theater, concerts and the construction and equipment workers who support these industries.