TFDA to fight for assitant directors’ cause

HYDERABAD: Telugu film directors have an issue to settle with producers regarding payment to co-directors, associate directors and assistant directors. Top on the agenda of the newly-elected body of the Telugu Film Directors’ Association (TFDA), which will take over the reins of the association on March 14, is to get producers agree to a system whereby those working in the direction department are paid properly.
As of now, co-directors, associate directors and assistants directors are left to the mercy of the producer with regard to payment. Since they are always looking for a break to become directors, which is important for their career, producers take advantage of their situation. The producers either do not pay them at all or deny them proper remuneration. “We are thinking of bringing forward a proposal wherein the producer will have to necessarily pay all the members of the direction department. The amount will be formalised and also put down on paper in the form of an agreement,” said director Dr L Srinath who was elected as vice-president of the TFDA in the elections held on March 11. Director V Sagar was re-elected president. The TFDA now plans to take up the issue of payment not only with Telugu Film Producers Council (TFPC) but also the A P Film Chamber of Commerce.