At open forum, junior artists object to agents' cut

EVER seen crowds in movies and thought how they are arranged for the perfect shot? Rarely do audiences get to know the junior artists involved and their concerns. But an open forum at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday saw junior artists raising their concerns on key issues they face, including compensation and lack of basic amenities.

- ASWIN ASOK KUMAR @T'Puram

"Junior artists suffer immense exploitation across the industry," said Movie Artists' Association of Kerala (MAAK) state general secretary Hari Ottappalam. He cited basic issues such as the differentiation in food served to lead actors, technicians and junior artists, and a lack of proper drinking water or bathroom facilities on most sets.

"Worst is the fact that a major chunk of our remuneration is claimed by middlemen, who work as agents," he said.