The television industry is known for toiling relentlessly to give us our daily dose of entertainment.
Due to the frenetic pace, actors and technicians are hardly left with
any time to unwind. However, there is some respite in sight for them as
the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has decided to
make every second Sunday a mandatory holiday for the TV industry from
April 1. While artistes have welcomed the move, producers are worried
about its adverse effects on the telecast of their shows.
Dilip
Pithva, Honorary General Secretary, FWICE, reasons, "We have decided to
take a holiday on every second Sunday. The producers aren't supportive
as they don't want to shell out extra money for a holiday that will be
considered paid leave. Do they realize the rising frustration levels of
the workers working in the same environment day-in and day-out? What
they don't know is that the worker pays another member to fill in for
him on a particular day from his own pocket. They may be hired on the
basis of salary, but they are actually paid for the number of days they
shoot; they don't even get overtime." He adds this issue can be addressed if enough planning is done in
advance and explains, "If a producer can holiday abroad without worrying
about the telecast of their shows, why can't they manage it by making
second Sunday a mandatory off? They can work towards getting scripts in
advance, so that they can keep a bank of episodes ready."
ACTORS GLAD TO GET A DAY OFF
Gautam Rode, currently seen in 'Suryaputra Karn', says,
"The mandatory
off will make an actor's life much easier, especially when you are
shooting away from the city. Many actors shoot for 30 days, which has an
adverse effect on their health and performance. Should a situation
arise, I'm sure producers can manage without shooting for two days in a
month."
Ssharad Malhotra, the male lead in 'Kasam', seconds the
actor,
"It's a viable idea if executed well. We slog daily and need an
off to replenish our energy. But when telecast issues crop up, we don't
mind shooting an extra day as we understand that TV is a deadline-driven
medium. Contrary to the general perception, an actor doesn't get time
for his personal life. Better time and resource management would surely
help at all levels."
Actress Meghna Malik calls the current TV scenario a 'war zone' rather
than a 'work zone'. "The TV industry isn't equipped to give technicians,
actors or producers even the fixed calendar holidays as telecast
deadlines have to be met. It's a work-till-you-drop-dead policy. It is
high time that things change."
However, some actors feel they should
get an off on weekdays. Actress Arti Singh says, "The industry should
be more organized. Ideally, we need four holidays in a month. We should
get a weekly holiday on a working day as we don't face gruelling traffic
on Sunday."
Sana Amin Sheikh adds, "We also have important chores
to run, which can't happen on Sundays. But if shows are aired seven days
a week, it will be difficult to get a holiday, especially for lead
actors. I am used to this, so I don't mind."
WHY IT CAN'T BE ACHIEVED
The producers have been averse to the proposed idea as they believe it
would result in confusion on set and hamper the telecast. They suggest
that everyone can take a weekly off after coming to a consensus.
Producer Rahul Kumar Tewary says, "We haven't been informed about the
development as yet. It should be a unanimous decision. No individual or
association can take a stand, which impacts the entire industry. Meeting
the deadline for delivering content in shows, which air six days a
week, is a difficult feat in itself. We also incur late delivery charges
if an episode is sent to the channel beyond the decided hours. Our team
is working round-the-clock to meet the telecast demands as well address
various issues at the shoot. The weekly/monthly-offs without
implementing the required procedures will affect shows and deliveries."
Producer Rajan Shahi asserts that it's a misconception that the
television industry works without a break. He elaborates, "There are
some who deviate, and that issue needs to be addressed immediately. The
unit gets breaks at regular intervals (usually four days off in a month )
to rest and improve its efficiency. I myself give breaks according to
the unit's convenience." He adds that fixing a day off isn't a feasible
option as people might prefer to take a holiday on another day. "A
holiday is necessary and mandatory, but those working should get to
decide when they want to take an off," says Rajan.
Producer Sumeet
Mittal emphasises, "We are in favour of granting an off to the entire
cast and crew as they are overworked, but it's not feasible to commit a
particular day for it. With all daily soaps airing seven days a week,
it's impossible to do so. What if the telecast is stuck or an emergency
situation crops up?"
NO CONSENSUS YET
Amit Behl, joint secretary of CINTAA (Cine and Television Artistes'
Association), member of the dispute committee and Senior Vice President
of FWICE, feels that both the parties have a valid point. He says, "A
second Sunday off was a valid rule in the early '90s, when the
deliverables weren't that high. Soon, a day-and-a-half shift (12 hours)
became a regular feature. In the current scenario, where we are prone to
casualties and other issues hampering the telecast, the broadcasters
(before the October 2015 strike) passed a ruling that all producers will
keep a bank of at least 10 episodes for their shows. Unfortunately, not
many follow the rule. It's primarily because the scripts don't come in
advance." However, he adds that it won't be right to blame anyone as
everyone is fighting the ratings war. He explains, "I am fine with the
idea of making second Sundays a mandatory holiday, provided producers
are also given leeway to shoot on that particular day if the situation
demands so. They do seek permission when they do a 2 pm to 2 am odd
shift. I also second the producers, who propose that taking a holiday
should be mutually decided upon, as we are not in a government job. We
at CINTAA are still not clear till we have a detailed discussion with
the producers' association and the broadcasters."
Director Ismail Umarr Khan feels, "We can easily handle the pressure on
an odd day with the second unit filling in for the first, which was a
norm earlier. A unit can easily take the pressure of one episode. Every
technician wants a holiday. I don't think anyone is against taking an
off on Sundays. The bottom line is, workers will have a life."
Indian Times
