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Chitrangda Singh: Shift Timings Debate Must Include Crew, Not Just Actors

Actress Chitrangda Singh has emphasized that the industry discussion on regulated shift timings must urgently expand to include crew members like light men and set workers, who endure the longest hours. She notes that while actors' time is respected, crew members often arrive hours before a call time and leave last, sometimes sleeping on set. Singh believes actors should champion this cause for the well-being of all industry personnel, arguing that better working hours improve overall efficiency. However, she also acknowledges the need for a balanced approach, recognizing that filmmaking is not a corporate job and requires flexibility, especially for smaller budgets and creative processes.

Key Points: Chitrangda Singh on Film Crew Work Hours & Well-being

  • Shift timing debate must include crew
  • Actors are well-catered for
  • Crew members work extreme hours
  • Better hours improve efficiency
  • Must balance with filmmaking realities
3 min read

Chitrangda Singh urges industry to look beyond actors in shift-timing debate

Actress Chitrangda Singh urges the film industry to prioritize regulated shift timings for crew members, highlighting their long hours and tough conditions.

"I think that is a far more important conversation... to the well-being of every person in the industry and not just the actors. - Chitrangda Singh"

Mumbai, Jan 6

Actress Chitrangda Singh has weighed in on the growing discussion around regulated shift timings on film sets, stressing that while actors are largely taken care of, the conversation must urgently widen to include the crew members who form the backbone of the film industry.

Asked about her experience, how crucial is the change towards regulated shift timings on film sets for mental and physical well-being, the actress told IANS: "I think it definitely is important. Actors are still very well taken care of. There is a lot of, you know, regard for their time, for their comfort. Usually producers, as much as they can, and directors try to work around their time."

Drawing from her experience, Chitrangda highlighted that technicians such as light men, art department staff and set workers often put in far longer hours than those visible on camera.

"But I feel what we also need to discuss is probably the light men, the set guys, who, the art and all these guys, because for a nine o'clock shift, if I come at seven for hair and makeup, they are there from 5.30 in the morning or not, maybe five in the morning, and then they're the last ones to go and the first ones to come."

She added that long travel distances and limited transport options only add to their exhaustion.

"I feel that it's very, very tough, you know, most of the time they're sleeping on sets, poor guys. So that kind of regularization is something that I think actors should be pushing for."

The actress believes actors should actively push for this change, making it an industry-wide concern rather than a selective one.

"I think that is a far more important conversation. Yeah, that is what maybe we should address as, you know, I don't know, as a thought to the well-being of every person in the industry and not just the actors."

Addressing the argument that structured work hours could hamper creativity, Chitrangda firmly disagreed. According to her, better working hours directly translate into improved efficiency and productivity.

"Better working hours will definitely help everybody. There is no doubt about that. There is no doubt about that, that better working hours will improve everybody's efficiency."

At the same time, she spoke about the practical realities of filmmaking.

The actress said: "But at the same time, sometimes there are small budget films, there are mid-budget films, and they have to look at the business end of it as well. So, that also has to be considered. I mean, it's not a corporate job. I think that is something one needs to be very clear about."

She added that filmmaking often demands flexibility, especially during writing and editing phases that frequently stretch late into the night.

"We cannot put the same kind of corporate rules to the film industry. So, there has to be a mature call on everything. You know, a balanced call is what I mean."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's refreshing to see this perspective. In any creative industry, the support staff is crucial. Her point about the balance between corporate rules and creative flexibility is very mature. Hope the producers' associations are listening.
P
Priyanka N
My cousin works in the art department. His stories are heartbreaking. Traveling from Virar to Film City at 4 AM and returning past midnight is normal. They have no unions to fight for them. Kudos to Chitrangda for highlighting this.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish she had given more concrete solutions. "Actors should push for it" is vague. Which actor will risk their next film by demanding better conditions for the crew? The power lies with producers and big banners.
K
Karthik V
She's 100% right about the budget reality. Small indie films operate on shoestring budgets. If you enforce strict 8-hour shifts, the cost will double and many projects will just not get made. It's a complex issue, not just about being humane.
M
Meera T
This is a wake-up call for the entire industry. We glorify the director and actors, but a film is made by hundreds of invisible hands. Their well-being directly affects the quality of the product. A tired crew makes mistakes. Safety first!

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