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Tag: CINTAA

  • CINTAA urges producers to follow Covid SOPs, says lapse could impact the whole unit

    CINTAA urges producers to follow Covid SOPs, says lapse could impact the whole unit

    KERALA: The Cine and Television Actors’ Association (CINTAA) has urged producers to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) during the shooting and production stages to protect actors from Covid-19. The request from CINTAA comes at a time when several actors have tested positive for Covid, and some of them have even succumbed to the deadly virus. 

    In an open letter on Facebook, CINTAA has appealed to production houses and producers to follow all health and safety protocols and made it clear that even minor negligence could have a severe impact on the entire unit. 

    Actors succumbing to Covid-19

    Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, several actors in the Indian entertainment industry have fallen victim to Covid. Some of the noted actors who lost their lives due to Covid-related complications include veteran Bollywood actress Shripradha, Marathi actor Abhilasha Patil, and veteran Punjabi actor Satish Kaul, who had featured in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat. 

    Apart from these artists who lost their lives after battling the fatal infection, several top Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Aamir Khan, and R Madhavan also tested Covid positive in recent weeks. 

    With Covid cases on the rise among the acting fraternity, CINTAA has aired its concerns over their safety, as they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to regular traveling. 

    SOPs to protect artists from Covid infection

    The association urged producers to formulate SOPs by keeping the transmissibility of the new Covid variant in mind, which might show negative in the first RT-PCR and would mean isolating the cast and crew before and after the shoot. 

    Citing the example of the IPL bio bubble failure, CINTA predicted that the secure bubble maintained in television shooting sets may be breached soon. 

    “It is wonderful that TV shoots are shooting in a bubble, with necessary precautions, but we are worried that a secure bio bubble of the IPL has been breached, it will not take long for this disaster to strike TV shoots. There is a traffic of actors travelling to and from shoots, using flights and airports and the danger of infection is tenfold,” said a CINTAA spokesperson in a recent press release. 

    Request for 30-day payment

    CINTAA has also requested film and TV showrunners to follow the 30-day mode of payment until the end of the pandemic. 

    “With medical costs sky-rocketing, it is only prudent that expenses are completely covered with no burden to our members,” added the spokesperson. 

    The association has also demanded an explanation from producers who have replaced actors who were unwilling to take part in shoots due to the second Covid wave. Seeking compensation from producers, CINTAA asked who will be responsible if an actor contracts the lethal disease.

    “We are appealing to all the stakeholders that we want to know on whom does the moral responsibility lie: If the actor contracts Covid who is going to take care of the entire hospital/medical expenses, the insurance, injury cover, death cover, etc. Is the broadcaster taking the onus, studio taking the onus, or the producer association or individual producer is taking the onus, that is what we wish to know,” it questioned, adding that actors are also no less than frontline workers.

  • CINTAA welcomes move to expedite extending industry status to entertainment sector

    CINTAA welcomes move to expedite extending industry status to entertainment sector

    MUMBAI:  Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) has welcomed the Maharashtra government’s move to formulate a comprehensive policy for entertainment sector and expedite procedure of extending industry status.

    ''The decision of the Maharashtra government has come at a most appropriate time for the fraternity. This will undoubtedly bring in progressive ramifications to the sector,'' CINTAA said in a statement.

    The state government on October 23 announced that it will devise a policy for the entertainment sector as well as declare rebate of up to 25 per cent in shooting charges at Goregaon Film City, while also advancing the process to grant industry status to the sector. The decision to formulate a comprehensive policy was taken in a meeting chaired by cultural affairs minister Amit Deshmukh.

    The minister has asked Maharashtra film, stage and cultural development corporation limited (MFSCDC) to prepare a draft for the policy. “The comprehensive policy will cover all aspects dealing with various platforms such as films, theatre, documentaries, serials to over-the-top (OTT) content. It will be presented before the state cabinet for its final nod,” Deshmukh said.

    CINTAA stated that it has strived very hard to get support for the betterment of the fraternity in general and the actors community in particular. “Realizing the challenges faced and to be on par with other sectors, the idea to have an Industry status for us has always been our foremost objective and our pursuit has always been rationale driven. Our efforts have been truly paid,” it added.

    MFSCDC MD Manisha Verma said, “The policy will have a holistic approach towards all aspects related to the sector. We will consider simplification of taxation, increasing screens, fiscal incentives, changing technology besides generation of skilled manpower. It’s a labour-intensive industry and has the potential of job generation. All these aspects will be deliberated upon during a webinar with all stakeholders between 5 and 7 November. Valid suggestions and recommendations that we will get during the deliberation will be incorporated in the policy.”

  • CINTAA comes out in support of actors, upholds dignity of women

    CINTAA comes out in support of actors, upholds dignity of women

    MUMBAI: Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) has released an official statement in support of the actors that are being attacked by news organisations. The statement read, “News Media, an integral part of the media and entertainment Industry has been outrageously vehement these last few weeks, in attacking men and women from the actor’s fraternity.”

    According to CINTAA, news channels are treating actors as if they are participants and instigators in an alleged conspiracy around Sushant Singh Rajput’s death that has occupied headlines recently in the public domain.

    The association feels it is important for news organisations to realize that one cannot function as a self-appointed judge, jury and executioner.
     
    It read, “In an attempt to boost viewership ratings, the catastrophic repercussions are ignored. That itself is reason enough for all to seriously introspect and put an end to the ill-informed debates and personal opinions being voiced by all and sundry. Without prejudice, the Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA), which represents the actors Community for over six decades, thought it befitting to break its silence in retaliation to those who are out to defame and slander its members.”

    CINTAA believes that till the time that the truth is not unearthed, a person's reputation should not be maligned, their livelihood should not be snatched away, their self-esteem should not be trampled upon and their integrity should not be questioned.

    It also mentions that actors are cultural ambassadors of this nation and the country's core values are shared through them with the rest of the world.

    Read the entire statement here:

     “CINTAA is one of the strongest Unions in the Film Fraternity. Our ideology is truly secular and it fosters true brotherhood, no matter what caste, creed or religion any member belongs to. As the fifth largest member of the International Federation of Actors-Performers Union (FIA) our voices and statements are valued world over. For us it is heartening to say that many of our Actors have been a recipient  of the Padma Shri/Padma Bhushan  awards coupled with many National & International citations. We belong to an intelligent, respectful and educated class and our body of work in the world of Entertainment stands second to none, even in the Global Arena.”

    Some members from the media and entertainment community are also members of parliament and to defame the whole community is far from acceptance. A retired Army officer who has stood on the Borders is  an actor today. A nursing officer who rendered her services much beyond the call of her duty during these pandemic times is also an actor.  In times of any national adversities the actors fraternity have stood shoulder to shoulder to mitigate miseries of people, be it financially, emotionally or otherwise.

    CINTAA, very strongly advocates upholding the Dignity of all women and hence have put in place all the necessary checks and balances at the work spots. Any instances of disrespect to our female colleagues is a matter of serious concern  and we do adopt taking the severest of actions and punishments to the offenders. Pertinent to add that the Me-too movement that emerged for sexual abuse has been very appropriate.

    We, therefore reiterate, that the Industry for the larger part, is a safe haven and yes, we would be the first to acknowledge that like in any other sector, there may exist some bad elements and by recognising and weeding them out, we are constantly looking to improve ourselves.

    However, stretching beyond one’s wildest imagination, the exuberance showcased by some anchors to capture eyeballs is outrageous and without any hard evidence. We deeply condemn such impetuous topics of debate that tarnishes the image of a whole community.

  • Bombay high court permits persons above 65 years to work on film, TV sets

    Bombay high court permits persons above 65 years to work on film, TV sets

    MUMBAI: The Bombay high court has quashed Maharashtra government’s order for age limit on set. After constant appeal from the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) and Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), the high court has finally allowed all people above 65 years of age associated with the entertainment industry to resume work on the sets of films and TV shows.

    A bench of chief justice Dipankar Datta and justice AS Gadkari, while hearing two petitions filed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) and actor Pramod Pandey, have taken this decision.

    The division bench of judges has allowed all producers, technicians, workers and artists to work. However, they will have to strictly adhere to the advisories which are applicable to all senior citizens as is applicable in case of all other citizens in the state.

    Earlier the high court had questioned the state government on the concerned matter and asked how it can stop senior citizens from working and earning a livelihood.

    The court had, during the hearing, appointed senior counsel Sharad Jagtiani as amicus curiae in the matter. IMPPA and television artist Promod Pande were represented by advocate Ashok Saraogi.

    According to IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia there is certain ambiguity in the order. It is Bombay high court’s judgement but the film and television fraternity will also need to have clarification from Maharashtra government. He adds, “The major challenge in this issue is that insurance companies are not giving insurance cover for people above the age of 60 years. And as per the protocols, every member present on the set needs to have Covid2019 insurance cover. We will reach Maharashtra government for clarity, we will also speak to our lawyers to understand the order and will appeal to the government to  revise copy.”

    Earlier IMPPA President TP Aggarwal had stated that  that for all senior producers, directors, actors and technicians the creative medium is the only source of income and the guideline was not practical and was not fair as in no other profession this condition was imposed. After sending requests many times, the association had to move the high court for demanding the rights of earning one’s livelihood for these senior people from the fraternity.

    Apart from that, Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) senior vice president and actor Manoj Joshi had met the governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari to discuss this issue. CINTAA had also sent letters to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, minister Subash Desai and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
     

  • CINTAA states no Pakistani actor its member

    CINTAA states no Pakistani actor its member

    MUMBAI: The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) has released an official statement clarifying that no Pakistani actor is a member of the association and it also highlights that if the actors have applied for work permits, they will not get renewed.

    The statement was issued by CINTAA Outreach Committee senior joint secretary and chairperson Amit Behl. In the release he mentioned that  CINTAA is the oldest and the largest union of performing artistes in the country. All the actors are law-abiding citizens and the association is very nationalistic and pro-India.

    The official statement said that CINTAA being a strong scrutiny committee is very clear that the association does not give membership to anyone who has anti-nationalistic feelings or any criminal records whatsoever.

    Behl said, “Whatever has happened right now, I am sure the government, the CBI and the other investigating agencies will do the needful about it. The only thing is that in case any of our actors, technicians or anyone from the media and entertainment industry realise that they are in touch with anyone who has anti-nationalistic feelings, they should definitely dissociate themselves.”

    The association aims at supporting any directive from the ministry of home affairs and the government.

    It said, “We as a union cannot comment on the authenticity of the photographs, but we are very confident that all our members, if inadvertently, have at all been photographed with such individuals, during their visits abroad, will distance themselves from any anti-national elements or those with deep state leanings, favouring a nation that has not respected India’s courtesy and respectful overtures."

  • IFTPC thanks Maharashtra govt, producers in fast-racking resumption of shoots

    IFTPC thanks Maharashtra govt, producers in fast-racking resumption of shoots

    MUMBAI: In a major relief for all daily soap viewers, TV broadcasters will roll out fresh content from 13 July.

    Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), in its press release today, thanked all the TV producers, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, MLA Amit Deshmukh and government of Maharashtra for their constant effort in restarting film and television production. The association also thanked the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), broadcasters and all the other vendors for their cooperation. It also expressed gratitude to Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Marathi producer Aadesh Bandekar, Dr Shashank Joshi from Covid2019 task force Maharashtra and district collectors for their assistance.

    IFTPC in its release mentioned that due to the lockdown studios were shut. The release read, “Lakhs of daily wage workers and the workers from ancillary industries lost their jobs. The fear of starvation loomed large on the industry workers. Fortunately, with Unlock 1.0 shooting was allowed.”

    The Maharashtra government under its ‘mission begins’ initiative allowed shooting from 30 July 2020 with stringent SOP measures and protocols. In order to resume shooting swiftly, Hindi and Marathi producers introduced additional safeguard measures like arranging transportation, lodging and boarding facilities for their cast and crew. The production houses, in fact, bore the additional cost of maintaining safety and hygiene.

    The release said, “From today there will be more laughter and fun in every home battered by more than 100 days of lockdown. At a time when there was possibility of mental illness such as hypertension and depression was to affect many citizens, the re-entry of television is a big relief. Now the new stories full of drama, suspense fun and education will unfold and relieve the anxiety of Covid2019.”

    The television industry was forced to stop telecasting due to the countrywide lockdown from 22 March 2020. The entire shooting for films, television and advertisement was dispensed post government guidelines to ensure social distancing and to stop the mitigation of the SarsCoV2.

    In the meantime, more than 60 shows are being shot across Mumbai and Thane.

  • CINTAA meets Maharashtra governor to discuss rule restricting senior actors

    CINTAA meets Maharashtra governor to discuss rule restricting senior actors

    MUMBAI: The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) senior vice president and actor Manoj Joshi met with the governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari today. They discussed the issue of senior actors, above the age of 65, not being allowed to shoot. The governor assured of necessary co-operation.

    In the meeting Joshi briefed the governor on CINTAA, its history, members, senior citizens who are members of CINTAA on whom their family depends for livelihood, and that they already have had no work from three months. He elaborated that the number of working seniors was not very large, but apart from that, there are continuity issues and producers cannot replace them.

    "The governor gave us a patient ear. It was a good 40-minute meeting. He was very positive and assured that he would help us in the best way possible. He had received the letter we sent him," elaborates Joshi.

    CINTAA had also sent letters to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, minister Subash Desai and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis besides the governor.

    "We are glad the meeting with the governor  was an eventful one and are hopeful that the outcome would be a positive one. The meeting was indeed reassuring," he concludes.

  • TV shooting to resume in Mumbai from 25 June

    TV shooting to resume in Mumbai from 25 June

    KOLKATA: As the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) have amicably resolved the outstanding issues, shootings will restart in Mumbai from Thursday, 25 June. Earlier, FWICE and CINTAA raised several concerns with broadcasters and producers and a difference in opinions were setting an uncertainty despite having permission. 

    "Shootings will restart tomorrow. Whatever was possible has been done; whatever condition is feasible for the industry has been met. We all are working for that. We were focusing on insurance. We have all come up with the right conclusion. Right now, there will be indoor shootings. Tomorrow, TV shooting is starting. Other shootings in controlled atmosphere will start at the earliest. Who ever has met with the SOPs required by government can start,” IFTPC hairman TV wing JD Majethia said speaking to Indiantelevision.com. 

    IFTPC agreed to provide two sets of insurance coverage i.e., death cover of Rs 25 lakh due to Covid2019 and also hospitalisation cover of Rs 2 lakh uniformly across all hierarchy of the cast and crew. Apart from the insurance, IFTPC also assured that every precaution as per the government’s guidelines will be put in place to ensure utmost safety for the entire cast and and crew.

    A decision was taken to reduce the period of credit for cast and crew from existing 90 days to 30 days for at least the first three months; mutually negotiated pay cuts without actors facing any sanctions and continued dialogue with all parties for easing working conditions were also agreed to, without delaying the resumption of shootings.

    IFTPC acknowledged the contributions of CINTAA and FWICE who in these extraordinary situation showed exemplary understanding and maturity in the workers and the national interest. In total solidarity and bonhomie the stakeholders IFTPC, CINTAA, FWICE and broadcasters announced that the shooting will begin immediately and a new saga will unfold in every household soon.

  • CINTAA, FWICE seek clarity from broadcasters, producers on payment, working conditions

    CINTAA, FWICE seek clarity from broadcasters, producers on payment, working conditions

    MUMBAI: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) together have raised several concerns with broadcasters and producers but their appeals haven't been responded to, yet.

    They had submitted several grievances on working conditions, payments and duty hours to the producers association through series of joint meetings and communications but did not get any positive answers from them. There is still uncertainty looming large.

    "Though we have always assured our best support to them they have not taken our concurrence on many issues resulting in lack of clarity and confusions. Many producers are taking unilateral steps of calling our members for shoot, this has only created a feeling of unrest and misguidance amongst the members, even before resumptions of shoot," said the two bodies in a release.

    FWICE and CINTAA which has scores of members enrolled in the cadres of actors, technicians and workers need immediate changes implemented in the working system/payment terms before any resumption of shoots.

    Many producers are taking unilateral steps of calling members for shoot and this has only created a feeling of unrest and misguidance amongst the members, even before resumptions of shoot.

    Post Covid2019 the working system would change for all with probable health challenges and drop in immunity levels hence it is all the more important that all the concerns are suitably addressed, the release added.

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com CINTAA senior joint secretary Amit Behl said, “There has been radio silence from broadcasters and producers for almost one week and that is the reason we have to issue this press release. Our people are hounding us as to what we must do."

    "We were supposed to get a response from the producer's association and broadcasters as to what is the final decision they have taken in terms of insurance cover, payment, earlier defaults, SOP measures, studios and other important things. As a counterpart we issued this release,” he further added.

    According to Behl, CINTAA and the board understands that broadcasters are facing trouble in terms of advertising but there must be a clarity around budget cuts. The association is answerable to 10,000 members while the federation to five lakh people. He adds that people with bare minimum salary cannot afford to have 30 percent deduction, which is the cut that has been intimated to them.

    IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia acknowledged the release sent. "We have been in constant touch with the association. Slowly and gradually we are trying to resolve each and every issue," he said.

    He also added that the producer's association and broadcasters will have to give a response as they cannot work without cast and crew.

    The association's demand includes:

    .  Shift hours strictly to be eight hours per day

    .  Payments to daily paid actors/ technicians/ workers has to be settled by the end of the day

    .  All contractual employees have to be paid in 30 days

    .  Conveyance has to be settled end of the day

    .  Mandatory weekly holiday

    .  Adherence to stringent health and safety protocols as per directives of the government

    . Insurance: health and life insurance with Covid2019 specific coverage. We demand a Rs 50 lakh cover for actors / workers /technicians who succumb to death.

    .  No pay cuts/discounts will be agreed by actors/ workers /technicians post resuming to work.

    .  No actor/ technicians/ workers would be replaced for refusing giving discounts on their emolument

    .  Deployment of a well-equipped ambulance along with a paramedical staff (nurse) and a doctor at the location

    It says that all the above-mentioned issues have to be resolved first so that there is complete clarity to all, be it actors/ workers or technicians. "No one can risk the lives of human resources and for us at FWICE AND CINTAA certainly not," it adds.

    It adds that even after strict directives issued by the I&B ministry to all the producers to clear the outstanding dues of the actors, workers and technicians pending prior to the announcement of the lockdown by the government amidst the Covid2019 pandemic, the producers have still not cleared the outstanding dues of the members. The association demands that all the outstanding dues of  members should be cleared prior to the resumption of the shooting.

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  • CINTAA seeks donations to help film, TV artists amid COVID-19 crisis

    CINTAA seeks donations to help film, TV artists amid COVID-19 crisis

    MUMBAI: The cine and TV artistes' association (CINTAA) has appealed to the masses and its A-lister members to donate rations and funds for the benefit of film and TV artists who have lost their livelihood amid the ongoing 21-day lockdown.

    “Since CINTAA has a very limited corpus, we are not a cash-rich association. Our charitable sister trust, the cine artist welfare trust (CAWT), is also running out of funds,” said actor and CINTAA senior joint secretary and chairperson outreach committee Amit Behl. “We have appealed to all our members and A-listers to start helping us by donating ration and some funds. We have also circulated the account number and IFSC of cine artist welfare trust giving them the benefit of 80G certificate.” 

    “The responses have already started pouring in. We have learnt that many of CINTAA's senior and well-established actors are also sending their appeal videos. Apart from members, A-listers and the masses, CINTAA has also approached the I&B ministry and Maharashtra government, urging them to request the broadcasters to release payments during this crisis. Generally, there is a 90-120 day cycle for clearing payments,” said Behl. 

    From CINTAA’s own corpus, the association has pledged to help their members in need. They have been making and distributing ration packets. “Also, Rs 2000 per member based on the actual needs is also being compensated. The start has happened. We are also trying our best to help our members,” affirmed Behl.