Shedding light on the struggles of technicians in the film industry, Mahira has chosen to stand up for the little guy. Joining the chorus of the entertainment fraternity speaking out on late payments, Mahira took to her Instagram story on Thursday and reminded us of the scale of the problem.
“Imagine, if senior actors and hit maker directors go through this,” she said. “Just imagine what technicians go through.”
Mahira’s comment was a nod towards earlier callouts by director Mehreen Jabbar, veteran actor Mohammed Ahmed and other industry professionals like Ahmed Ali Butt, Ramsha Khan, Nadia Afgan, Yasir Hussain and Alizeh Shah.
Mehreen had burst the bubble of those harbouring the impression that a career in the television industry equates to a thriving bank account in July. “Our drama industry has progressed a lot, and there has been a very high viewership,” she said during a virtual interview with Drama Pakistani. “But behind the scenes, there is a lot of compromise and this industry operates in a very unprofessional way. That is the sad part.”
The Jackson Heights director further said that the US may have many problems but payment schedules are always kept. However, in Pakistan, with every channel and production house, the entertainers have to chase their money like beggars.
Confirming Mahira’s statement, the Dobara Phir Se director said that this is not an issue limited to just actors. “Everyone faces this, from actors to the spot boy to the director,” said the filmmaker. “There is no system. You ask anyone, and you will get thousands of stories about payment issues.”
Mohammed thanked Mehreen for starting the conversion back in July. Taking to Instagram, he said: “Mehreen has spoken very clearly about the system and the drama industry, and it makes me so glad. She said plainly what I have been quietly saying for years.”
The Cake actor said that a delay of three to four months is extremely normal.
Backing up Mehreen’s beggar analogy, Mohammed continued, “You have to pretty much clasp your hands together and beg them to pay you. Then they dispense a cheque your way, all the while giving the impression that they are doing you a massive favour, just because they have deigned to pay you. In every project, I feel their aim is to make actors beg for money. It destroys your dignity.”
Ahmed slammed the industry’s recurring issue with late payments too. “Late payment is an industry standard,” he said in an Instagram story in July. “Production houses, television channels and corporate sponsors all have a 60 to 90-day payment clause, and that too is hardly ever met on time.”
He added, “There are a few rare people who will pay you on time, otherwise everyone will make sure that you have to beg for your money, and that too in installments.” On a lighter note, the actor said, “Work for YouTube. Be your own boss.”
With Mahira joining the chorus and reminding us how it might affect the people behind the camera, some accountability is needed from production houses.