|
| Artistes are not solely responsible for rising costs: Vijaykant |
 "We have accepted the conditions put forward by the Producer's council and have extended our full co-operation. But they have still to lift the embargo on new launches or the shooting of new films", says Vijaykant. The stalemate between the artistes and the producers' council continues, with each side blaming the other for the film industry's woes.
In a statement to the press, Vijaykant, the president of the South Indian Artistes Association has this to say: "The Producers Council has put forward many suggestions to curb the increasing cost in the production of films. Some of them are related to the artistes. One of the points raised was about the 'bata' (daily wage) given to the artiste's driver, make-up man, assistants, costumer etc., by the producer.
Most conditions accepted
"The artistes have decided that henceforth they would bear these payments. Another point raised was about the petrol reimbursement to the artistes. This too will be borne now by the artistes. We will not claim five-star hotel stay either. The producers can arrange their stay in three star hotels. The artistes have also agreed to travel as per the producer's wish, and not make 'only-by-flight' demand. The artistes have accepted the demand by the Producer's council that the artistes complete the shooting of films they have signed first, before they shoot for new assignments.
 "The only demand of the council which the artistes have not accepted is in the matter of the 'Lab-letter'. When the artistes have accepted all the other demand of the council, isn't it proper that the producers lift the embargo on the shooting and launching of new films? The industry has come to a standstill and it's the workers who are the sufferers. We have never want such a situation to happen.
Come to the table and discuss
"At this moment we would like to remind all the parties concerned about the statement signed before the Chief Minster. In a joint statement the Producers and
FEFSI had agreed, that for no reason would they ever bring the industry to a standstill. That the concerned parties would thrash out all matters of dispute across the table.
"There is an impression gaining ground that artistes are solely responsible for the increasing cost of film production. This is wrong. There are so many other reasons for the rising costs. Let the producers first put a check on these expenses. Now the ball is in the court of the producers!
"Blaming each other or throwing the blame on Video piracy and satellite channels for the ill health of the industry achieves nothing. Let the industry put its house in order first. The trading of abuses by the two parties though the media only provides entertainment to the public. Such entertainment the likes of which they have hardly got the big screen in recent times.
|
