Then and Now: Crew Member’s say’s says Vikram Malhotra

Then and now What was earlier a disorganised family business has evolved into a more corporate set-up with producers also realising the importance of treating the crew members of a film well, says VIKRAM MALHOTRA, CEO at Abundantia Entertainment.

The Indian movie business is coming of age in terms of treatment and management of the film’s crew. Most production houses have realised that a high quality film and on-budget production lies in the execution of the film. The production crew is equally integral to the film’s success as is the director or the film’s lead cast. In an analogous example, the production crew of a film is akin to the assembly line or output team of a high quality professional organisation.

The difference lies in the management and execution of the director’s vision and plan. While a scriptwriter and director are crucial to the film’s creative execution and success, the production team forms the backbone of this effort. Indian producers, both senior and new-age are beginning to address a film’s crew with the highest respect possible.

Starting from ensuring that the right and specialised people are assigned for the right jobs to setting the right salary and monetary benchmarks, the scenario is changing rapidly. As far as payment of dues and salaries are concerned, neither can I comment on what happened to Ismail Durbar, as I don’t know much of it, nor can I comment on other production houses.

But I can speak on my behalf and say that everyone is paid as per the agreed timeline. Gone are the days when a producer would appoint odd job men to do anything from catering to production planning. The work of production crew members is respected, valued and recognised and they are compensated adequately. Safety measures are taken and there is adequate security on the sets reducing the possibility of stuntmen getting injured.

But even if they get injured, their treatment is taken care of by the production house. What was earlier a disorganised family-run business is now transforming into a corporate set-up. In this evolution, the treatment meted to producers has drastically changed. From the runner on the set to the executive producer, each person commands respect and plays a role in the production hierarchy.

There is not much scope for rules to be flouted with the presence of associations and unions that have laid down rules and govern production houses. There are all kinds of unions and associations, right from employee unions, stunt unions and art men’s union. Some of these include The Federation of Cine Workers Association, The Film Writers Association, etc. Every credible producer complies with the rules and regulations set by these bodies.