Finas to implement minimum wage standards for artistes
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) is set to introduce minimum wage standards for theatre artistes as part of its new standard contract initiative.
Finas CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib revealed that all artistes and production crew members will soon be covered by a standardized employment contract designed to protect their rights.
“This contract will be comprehensive, as major companies like Skop Productions and Multimedia Entertainment already adhere to existing contracts, terms, and minimum wage standards,” Azmir said in an interview with ‘Harian Metro’.
He emphasized that while large companies follow these standards, small and medium-sized independent producers sometimes engage actors without formal contracts, complicating efforts to address issues with artistes’ associations.
Azmir addressed concerns about theatre actors being paid less than “celebrities” with significant social media followings but less acting experience. He noted that associations such as the Malaysian Film Directors’ Association (FDAM), the Malaysian Film Professional Workers’ Association (Profima), and the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Seniman) have established minimum wage guidelines for reference.
“Finas acknowledges that all companies have contracts, but a standard contract will include a pamphlet to guide the determination of minimum wages for employees and collaborators. Other industries like IT and construction have their own benchmarks,” he explained.
The issue of low pay for theatre actors has been longstanding, Azmir noted, emphasizing the high quality of actors from theatre backgrounds. He cited the UK and the US, where many top actors have strong theatre backgrounds, and stated that Finas aims to support actors from their initial training at the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara) through to their careers in theatre, short films, and feature films.
Azmir also discussed the Malaysian Creative Capacity Enhancement Programme (MyCAP), which provides a database for accrediting artistes. This database will help determine whether an artiste is a professional, a junior, or a recent graduate, ensuring appropriate salaries based on their credentials.
He added that Finas is working with university accreditation departments to improve the status of new artistes. “With an accreditation database, artistes can present their qualifications to producers, ensuring they receive fair compensation, similar to other accredited professions,” Azmir said.
Previously, theatre and film actress Farah Ahmad, 46, had highlighted the disparity in pay between theatre actors and ‘celebrity’ actors with greater commercial presence. Farah, daughter-in-law of director and veteran actress Datuk Fauziah Nawi, expressed her disappointment on TikTok over the unequal salaries.