The advisory, applicable to all film, television, OTT, web-series, and digital content productions done in Bengal, irrespective of the language of production, prioritises market freedom and structural autonomy
“We have been working for 18-20 hours a day for the last 12 months. Now, television serials are structured for up to 14 hours, subject to statutory limits, rest requirements, and overtime entitlements. Fiction and non-fiction productions are set at 10 hours with up to four additional hours, or eight hours with up to six additional hours.
Following this advisory will ensure that we have a professional working environment,” said producer Firdausul Hasan. Freedom to choose crews according to actual need can revive Bangla film production, attract investment and bring more shoots to Bengal,” said producer Himanshu Dhanuka, who faced multiple problems regarding employment of technicians in his productions in India and even abroad. “Five guilds are going for polls on Saturday and 11 on Sunday,” said Jayanta Kundu, the president of production manager guild. “I have been insisting on contracts since the beginning of my career and I welcome this initiative,” said music director Prabuddha Banerjee. This advisory, if implemented, will benefit us a lot,” said actor Rupanjana Mitra.
The advisory, applicable to all film, television, OTT, web-series, and digital content productions done in Bengal, irrespective of the language of production, prioritised market freedom and structural autonomy, granting producers complete hiring freedom without unlawful disruptions. “The govt has taken all suggestions of producers and also taken into account the concerns of other stakeholders. Membership in any guild, union, or private association will no longer be a mandatory precondition for working in Tollywood. Producers have gained complete freedom to determine crew size, composition, and categories required based on actual operational needs. “This is a welcome step. However, technicians are unwilling to comment on this new system of work on the eve of their guild elections. The advisory also focused on financial accountability by emphasising transparent written contracts before any work commences, enforcing timely payments, establishing mechanisms against defaulting line producers, and prohibiting payment disputes from halting film screening or distribution. The advisory has regulated time and shifts by establishing standard shift caps. Feature films, OTT productions, and web series are designated an eight-hour shift with up to four additional hours.