The constant debate over the huge pay difference between male and female artistes in films has been an open secret with several female leads in the industry being very vocal about it. And, the matter normally ends there. While the pay disparity still exists with some negligible changes happening for the past few years, the television industry seems to be a far better place to work! Though many deny the differences in TV, sources reveal that the pay-gap is based on experience and popularity and gender is never a criterion. Bengaluru Chronicle reports on the payment issues.
As an evidence to the pay-gap being much smaller on the small screens when compared to films, Forbes magazine in one of its recent survey showed that even in Hollywood, the wage gap is more. However, interestingly, the disparity is much smaller between actors and actresses on TV than it is for male and female movie stars. “In total, the top 15 male stars on TV earned 225 million dollars, whereas a similar list of TV’s highest-paid actresses showed cumulative earnings of 208.5 million dollars for its top 15,” the report states.
Even TV actress Sujatha Akshaya, who has been working in the Kannada TV industry for more than a decade in various capacities, agrees. “I have heard about such differences in the film industry but I have hardly come across any such issues in the TV,” says Sujatha, who presently plays the popular vamp character — Sitara in Radha Ramana.
Recently, actor turned politician Ramya, Aindrita and others had voiced their opinion on the growing differences in wage pay. “The issue of difference in pay between male and female actors has always been there, Hollywood included. However, my main concern is that the difference is so huge. I am aware of all my female colleagues who just get paid between 5 to 10 per cent of what the male actor gets paid for, in crores,” Aindrita had said.
Meanwhile, the experts say that the absence or minimal difference in the TV is because of the difference in work culture and commitments. “Almost every actor or actress in a tele-serial is a newcomer and the serial makers sign them for a certain amount based on their work duration with an agreement for a set period. Whereas, concerning the senior actors who play the supporting cast, they are paid on a daily basis. The body governing the actors working for the TV industry too plays a fair role. However, whenever a popular film actor/actress is cast for a special role, the payment depends on the financial strength of the production house,” says Vani, a TV producer.
So far with film actors/actresses shifting completely from films to TV, their popularity is an important factor while deciding their remuneration sources say. Also, not many would disclose the package, as they are bound by their contract, they add. However, a majority agree that the difference is definitely lesser than in the films.
