Television industry provides financial aid to 492 workers

The Television Programme Producers’ Association, Directors’ Guild, Actors’ Equity and Writers’ Association have raised funds to support their coworkers in need. “We will not disclose how much money we have collected, but it is an attractive amount,” said Shaju Muntasher, General Secretary, Television Programme Producers’ Association, “we wanted to help our coworkers who have no jobs at the moment.”

Together, they have helped 492 members of five associations, who needed immediate financial support. Noted theatre personality and actor Mamunur Rashid, Chairman of Federations of Television Professionals Organisation (FTPO), the apex body of all the organisations associated with television, also shared his thoughts. “We have talked to members of each of the organisations to develop the fund. It is our responsibility to come forward to support our shift workers, who work really hard behind the camera.” The fund intends to support production crew members, make-up artistes, camera assistants, transport unit drivers and others.

“Many have misconceptions about the lives of the people in showbiz. Most of our colleagues earn on a day-to-day basis,” said Salahuddin Lavlu, President, Directors’ Guild. “Several artistes who are going through a financial crisis right now, will be shy to open up about their struggles. We intend to identify them and stand by them as well. The associations already have applied to the Ministry of Information for support, and are hoping that the government responds to their requests soon.