Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans - Studio City, California

Shaun Thomas

I wanted to add a review for MPI, after seeing so many 1 star reviews. I had almost left a 1 star review myself after trying to reach someone by phone. I waited on hold for 3 hours hoping to speak to someone and had already left my information for someone to call me back the day before and hadn’t heard back. I was frustrated as many others on here, leaving reviews. But I did get a call back and was treated very professionally and he tried to answer my questions. He did give me a direct line to the MP3 department and told me to call first thing in the morning to get the answers I needed. I did so and was greeted with a very helpful woman with a great attitude and she resolved my issues on a referral that was not properly submitted by the office that I visited. I do think that the MPI office in general has declined in being available to help us, but felt the need to at least post my recent experience.

Otto Dimas

The work environment at MPI is far from healthy. I hoped my six-month assignment with the Residuals Department would revitalize my career after being laid off during the writers' strike, but working at MPI turned out to be a major disappointment.

I reported to two senior residual analysts with difficult personalities. One would frequently hover over my shoulder to monitor my performance, while the other had notable anger issues. My training responses were deemed as back talk, and I was micromanaged to the point where every action was scrutinized. The $22 an hour was not worth the stress.

Management receives standing desks automatically, whereas entry-level employees must request one and wait weeks or even months for it to be installed.

If you're caught on any website other than the company's, even briefly, HR will write you up and accuse you of not doing your work.

MPI enforces a strict dress code, including wearing your badge around your neck and only dress shoes. Violations result in a company-wide email from HR.

HR claims that lunch breaks are an hour, but management pressures you to take only 45 minutes. Though you leave 15 minutes early, you will need that full hour to recharge.

MPI does not provide basic supplies such as water cups, coffee cups, or plastic utensils. Employees are expected to bring their own.

There is no parking for entry-level employees or temps. Full-time union employees get reserved parking spots, while temps must scramble to find parking on Venture Blvd.

MPI monitors your in and out times closely. Eventually, HR may find a reason to call you into a conference room, prevent you from retrieving your personal items, and escort you out with security.

Jess W

When my husband and I arrive in person because we cannot reach anyone by email. We were laughed off the property for not having an appointment. The rent-a-cop- Robert was incredibly rude shouting that we needed to get it together so we could “get that pension”.
Classy Robert! We are not here about pension, we’re here because mpi has terrible communication.

Michi

I have been trying to get my husband on my insurance for a month. The first person I spoke to on the phone was nice and told me what to fill out and email. I get response emails saying the paper work I submitted wasn’t good enough and they need proof his health care ended. I show them the cobra letter, letter from his health insurance and his work but it’s not the “right” paperwork. I keep getting bills to pay for 2 months my husband wasn’t covered. I called 2 more times and each time the people are rude and give different information. Emails continue to ask when I want my husband’s insurance to start even though I told them in every email already.

MJ S

I recently made a call and was spoken to very rudely. I felt very uncomfortable and was honestly shocked . It doesn’t happen all the time . This young woman was condescending and appeared to be irritated by just a simple question. Also a lot of misinformation and gaps in important info, lost forms and papers not applied to my account over time . There are hardworking people there but also a lot of mismanagement of accounts .

S McC

I don't know how they can be any more incompetent.
Received a letter mid January saying that my daughter's Cobra coverage was terminated because they did not receive December's premium. I called several times letting them know that THEY cashed the check. They said they have to "look into it" After 4 calls and an email sent to them with a copy of the front and back of the cashed check, they still "have to look into it" WHAT!? They won't reinstate my daughter's coverage until the expedited "ticket" gets reviewed.
Jose, the supervisor that I spoke to was extremely rude. Horrible customer service. How is this my problem? MPI posted my daughter's payment somewhere and they don't care to find out where. Meanwhile, my daughter can't make any appointments. BTW, this has happened at least 3 times this year.

Stxrmy Skies

Claim to offer coverage for gender affirming care for trans people but when you actually request coverage they deny you 3 times and your appeals after months long fight for basic coverage outlined in the WPATH as medically necessary, claiming that several critical items are not medically necessary despite the WPATH (backed by the WHO) and UCLA disagreeing with them. Don't expect them to cover what they say they will.

D G

I cannot believe the people that work there. They are bunglers! When I called and emailed, I got no replies--none! They claimed to have mailed my retirement paperwork, but after a month, it was never delivered. When I finally got through to one of their less than helpful benefits agents, she was so patronizing! It like MPI employs the less qualified people or is it nepotism or just plain cronyism? Now I have to wait for another agent and I hope he canhelp me.

Epoilogue: When I submitted my paperwork, I thought Social Security would be a problem, they were the best. To my surprise, MPI was and is the problem--things must change for the better because I as a member depend on this institution.