2023 is no ordinary year for the entertainment industry. The reason?
WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes at Hollywood shook Beverly Hills as they literally stopped Hollywood from moving an inch. The cruel studios deliberately forced the low-paid workers to stand for 100s of days while they were fighting for genuine demands. Looks like a similar protest may happen in the Indian OTT space. Again, it is a possibility, not a certainty.
Why are we saying so? Read on.
Association of Film and Video Editors has taken a bold step by lodging a formal complaint with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), shedding light on the myriad issues plaguing their community, particularly in the OTT world. The complaint, backed by a staggering 245 signatures from prominent editors unveils a tale of exploitation, credit denial, and concerning working conditions.
A major concern voiced by the editors is the lack of transparency in the hiring process. Around 20 editors working on OTT projects approached FWICE, citing instances of sudden replacements without any explanation or the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The rates offered are reportedly lower than union standards, putting new editors in a tight spot as they compromise on remuneration for a foot in the showbiz door.
However, the most critical issue highlighted is the denial of due credit. Editors claim they aren’t accorded credit fairly and lack the right to appeal to the union for dispute resolution. This, coupled with no allowances for travel and food, demanding work schedules, and expectations to toil for up to 15 hours non-stop, has severe repercussions on the physical and mental well-being of the younger assistants and associates.
The objective behind the complaint is to bring these pressing concerns to the attention of streaming platforms and production houses. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, stated, “We have also written letters to Netflix, Amazon, and Zee, among others, as well as the production houses and film bodies, and are waiting for their reply to fix a meeting.”
As the editors await responses, the Indian film industry holds its breath, wondering whether this revolt will usher in a new era of fairness, transparency, and justice in an industry that often functions behind the glamour and glitz. This battle for the rights of editors could mark a turning point in the Indian entertainment landscape, reminding all stakeholders that behind every cinematic masterpiece, there are unsung heroes demanding their due.