AN issue that has plagued the local entertainment industry is payment.
From non-payment for a job done to veterans receiving smaller paychecks, a number of local artistes lament having to deal with problems relating to payment.
As highlighted by actress Farah Ahmad in a TikTok video recently, many young theatre practitioners are feeling disheartened by the lower pay they receive compared with that earned by more popular actors in the same production.
In a 'Berita Harian' report, Farah, 46, said while young theatre practitioners may have honed their acting skills in theatre school, this doesn't translate to better payment when compared with social influencers or popular personalities, their credibility notwithstanding.
"It's sad to hear young theatre players lament about their pay, mainly because they have yet to reach 'celebrity' status.
"This is shocking. I don't think these young artistes are very demanding.
"Isn't the knowledge gained from their time at theatre schools worth something? These are people who spent time learning proper acting techniques that would contribute to the quality of a production," said Farah, who is the daughter-in-law of notable local theatre doyenne Datuk Fauziah Nawi.
Although it comes down to demand and commercial appeal for many theatre producers, she added that paying actors based on popularity alone is an insult to those who have committed time and resources to go to theatre school.
"These people enter the industry well-equipped. Yes, they may not be as popular as those who have made a name via social media or by taking part in reality programmes.
"Their daily payment is sometimes even lower than construction workers who could earn up to RM120 a day," she said.
The report also highlighted the normal practice by theatre producers, who would pay the cast of a production based on the entire budget provided by the sponsors of the stage project.
For instance, if the budget for all actors is RM30,000, that amount would be divided among the cast based on the players' status (popular names or mere young stage actors), as well as the significance of the roles assumed and other factors.
One's 'celebrity status' will also depend on whether they are ranked as an A-lister or not.
Meanwhile, producer and celebrated director Erma Fatima said popular actors are paid handsomely as they serve as an important selling point for the production.
"As far as I'm concerned, payment has always been in accordance with the stature of an actor in the industry.
"There's no question of discrimination for other reasons, what matters is how one can pull in the crowd.
"It's all about the value someone can bring to the production, which translates to marketability and the returns they bring to the producer," she said.
While Erma agreed that those with formal training may have the knowledge and know-how, what's important for television is the ratings.
"Popularity is king for TV stations. The more popular the cast, the higher chances a show could push the ratings.
"And being popular on social media is one indication the said celebrity would become the TV stations' chosen one," she said.
Actress, theatre activist and National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) lecturer Juhara Ayob urged those affected to think positively and continue to showcase their talent.
"I had also used the theatre platform when I was building a name for myself on TV.
"To the youngsters in theatre and also my juniors, God-willing, one day film producers and TV stations will offer you acting opportunities," she said in a 'Harian Metro' report.
She added that if these youngsters were to deliver quality performances in TV and film productions, their payment would increase.
"For example, actress Amyra Rosli, who was my junior at the theatre faculty, has now become a popular artiste.
"There are also Nad Zainal, Zahiril Adzim and Namron, who were paid peanuts as theatre actors but have since made it big," she said.