KUALA LUMPUR: Popular actor Zul Ariffin finds it strange for actors to ask for payment for promotions of their films on social media.
The J Revolusi and Sangkar star said he always believed in promoting his own works for free on social media.
“Media promotion greatly benefits us, be it traditional or social media. I am all for it, because it brings our projects to the attention of fans, and they’ll appreciate us better.
“I don’t see the need to demand payment ... there’s no need to pay me for social media promotions,” he said at the launch of Sangkar in Jaya Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya recently.
Zul, 32, said he was willing to go on roadshows for free to promote his films, because it was the work of artistes to reach out to fans.
“I’m aware that there are some who ask for payment for promoting their projects on Instagram. It’s their right, but I don’t think it’s wise because they will ultimately benefit from promotions,” said Zul, adding that artistes should have good working relationships with production companies, television stations, sponsors and publicists.
“It’s absurd for actors to demand payment for promoting their films. If we ask for payment all the time, it might sour our relationships with the parties that help promote us. We must give and take and put ourselves in the shoes of our partners in the industry.”
Sangkar, directed by Kabir Bhatia, sees Zul play Adam, an arrogant Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) practitioner who is obsessed with winning.
One day, he causes serious injuries to his longtime opponent Johan, and becomes guilt-stricken.
He then attempts to redeem himself by resorting to underground fights to collect rewards, to help meet Johan's medical expenses.
A co-production of Primeworks Studios, Astro Shaw, Infinitus Gold and mm2 Entertainment, Sangkar is Malaysia’s first MMA film slated for an Aug 28 screening.
It also stars Remy Ishak, Mira Filzah, Fadlan Hazim, Aman Graseka and British MMA star James McSweeney.