Four organisations start fund collection for struggling crew members
As shootings of television projects have been stopped due to concerns over the rapidly spreading coronavirus, many crew members, including production and set workers, are struggling to make ends meet.
Bearing such issues in mind, key members of Obhinoy Shilpi Shongho, Directors' Guild, Television Producers' Association and Natyakar Shongho held a virtual meeting through a video conference call, during which they decided to raise funds for crew members who are going through financial hardships at the moment.
"Artistes can donate any amount, if they are willing and able. No one will be obligated to donate," shares Shahiduzzaman Selim, President, Obhinoy Shilpi Shongho.
"Out of the fourteen active organisations in our industry, only four are able to raise funds at the moment," adds Ahsan Habib Nasim, General Secretary, Obhinoy Shilpi Shongho.
The leaders of the organisations have already reached out to many actors for donations. They have also contacted struggling crew members, who will be provided with the funds, based on their income levels. "We will not disclose the names of the workers. The money will be distributed confidentially. Our members will go to their doors individually to help them," adds Masum Reza, President, Natyakar Shongho.
The leaders planned to create this fund, in case TV shoots were postponed further.
"Honestly speaking, only a handful of actors will be able to donate. Subsequently, in the first phase of distribution, we will be able to look after the fund on our own. However, in the second phase, we will need the government's assistance. We plan to meet our Information Minister to talk about this issue," says Shahiduzzaman Selim.
The leaders of the four organisations will soon fix a date to distribute the money to struggling crew members.
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