Why are advertising film workers facing starvation due to MCO curbs?

Question

Accepted Answer

Advertising Film Workers Face Starvation Due to MCO Curbs

Advertising film industry workers are facing severe financial hardship, leading to widespread starvation, primarily because the movement control order (MCO) has halted all production activities. This has directly impacted the daily-paid freelance workforce, who constitute the majority of individuals employed in this sector, leaving them without any income since the MCO began. The prolonged shutdown, particularly the exclusion of the entertainment sector from earlier phases of reopening, has prevented the completion of commissioned projects and left hundreds of thousands of shooting crew members without their usual on-set earnings.
Daily Wage Structure Leaves Workers Vulnerable

The operational model of the advertising film industry relies heavily on daily wages for its workforce. Most individuals in this sector are freelancers who receive payment only for the days they work on a production set. When the MCO was implemented, all on-set activities ceased immediately, meaning no work was available and, consequently, no payments were issued to these workers. This structure makes them particularly susceptible to income loss during any period of enforced work stoppage.
Halt in Production and Backlogged Commissions

Production houses within the advertising film industry have been unable to resume operations and complete the numerous commissions that were assigned prior to the pandemic. The extended lockdown measures have created a backlog of work, and without the ability to shoot or edit, these projects remain unfinished. This inability to fulfil existing contracts exacerbates the financial strain on the industry and its employees, as revenue streams are completely cut off.
Significant Economic Contribution Undermined

The advertising and marketing industry ecosystem plays a substantial role in Malaysia's economy, having contributed an estimated RM15 billion in the previous year. The current MCO curbs have effectively paralyzed this significant economic contributor, impacting not only the livelihoods of its direct workers but also its broader economic influence. The continued suspension of activities means this substantial contribution to the national economy is currently nonexistent.
Industry Proposes Health SOPs for Reopening

In response to the dire situation, the Malaysian Association of Advertising Film Industry (PPIM), along with other industry bodies such as the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA) and the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents of Malaysia (4As), has developed a comprehensive health standard operating procedure (SOP). This proposed SOP includes measures such as health screenings for crew, maintaining social distancing on set, and utilising advanced remote shooting technologies like QTake. The aim is to demonstrate the industry's commitment to aligning with government health and safety regulations, thereby seeking permission to resume operations safely.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are advertising film workers facing starvation due to MCO curbs?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends