Bollywood Writer Rohan Shankar Highlights Industry Challenges: Low Pay and Lack of Royalties
Rohan Shankar Opens Up On Writers' Woes: Unfair Fee, No Royalties And Resistance From Makers | Exclusive
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Rohan Shankar, a prominent Bollywood writer, emphasizes the undervaluation of writers in the film industry, citing unfair compensation and the absence of royalties. He calls for writers to assert their worth and negotiate better terms, including box office clauses, to ensure fair pay for their contributions.
- 01Writers in Bollywood are often underpaid despite their crucial role in film success.
- 02Rohan Shankar advocates for writers to demand fair compensation and negotiate better contracts.
- 03Many producers prioritize star power over script quality, leading to inequitable pay for writers.
- 04The lack of royalties for writers is a significant issue, unlike practices in countries like the US and UK.
- 05Progress is being made with organizations advocating for writers' rights and royalties.
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Rohan Shankar, a writer known for films like *Bhooth Bangla* and *Mimi*, has voiced concerns about the undervaluation of writers in Bollywood. He asserts that despite the extensive work involved in scriptwriting, which can take seven to eight months, writers are often inadequately compensated. Shankar suggests that writers need to recognize their value and demand better pay, including box office clauses that would allow them to share in a film's success. He notes that while some producers and directors may resist acknowledging writers' contributions, the disparity in pay compared to other departments remains stark. Furthermore, Shankar highlights the absence of royalties for writers, which is standard in countries like the US and UK, where writers benefit from ongoing earnings from their work. He mentions that the Screenwriters Association is making strides towards addressing these issues by forming a copyright society for royalties. Overall, Shankar believes that while there is room for improvement, writers must take proactive steps to secure their rightful recognition and compensation in the industry.
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The ongoing undervaluation of writers affects their livelihoods and the quality of storytelling in Bollywood.
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