An average half hour TV show has a budget of around 5 lakh (Rs. 5,00,000) per episode. Out of which writing (story, screenplay and dialogue) budget is about Rs 15,000. In rare cases, very rare cases, maybe Rs. 30,000, if they’re really desperate. Thrilling, right?
It gets better in a film. In an average small budget production (Rs. 3 crores/Rs. 30 million), writers are lucky if they get paid Rs. 5 lakh while actors, the director, even the cameraman get paid several times that amount. Come to think of it, almost every technician, except the writer does. The only people who are paid less than the writer are assistant directors but then they are paid even lesser than spot boys, so go figure.
I mean they go on and on about how important a good script is but when it comes to putting money where their mouth is, and it’s not that important.
And everyone knows you can’t really begin a production without a script.
Earlier this used to rankle me, till I realised one thing. A script is not a literary document. It is at best a functional document committed to putting ideas (descriptions, action) across in a succinct and a verbally economical manner. You have to since you cannot run the risk of your script exceeding 100-110 pages. The only place where you can really show off your literary genius is in the dialogue.
It is only a blueprint, a take off point. It’s a plan which the engineers, contractors, electricians and plumbers use to construct a building. Film is a collaborative project which begins with a script. Based upon the script, your team – the director, the production designer, the cameraman, the executive producer, the line producer, actors etc. gets together. All of them work damn hard, if not harder, than you the writer, to make the project a success.
Still, I believe writers deserve to be paid more than they are currently. But I’ve learned to live with it. And it wasn’t exactly hard reconciling to it. Rs. 15,000 may be less than 5 per cent of the overall production budget but it is still damn good money.
The cover of my book!
Rs.15k per episode is amazing money considering the number of daily serials on the telly. How good are the opportunities for photographers. I know there are a lot of big ones like Daboo Ratnani and Atul Kasbekar. But, what does it take to get a decent start?
I found your through the indiblogger network. Considering the info u give, I’m pretty happy subscribing ur posts!!
Its really said and nothing new, we ppl dont respect those who are silent players behind the play/movie.
@varun…I don’t know about photographers…I think their work in TV is limited mainly to continuity shots…nothing creative. Occasionally you get called to take pictures when a new show is experimenting with the look of its characters.
@Sameera…truer words were ne’er spoken:)
I like your blog a lot. Am dying to read Krishna’s Confessions too – will do that when my boss goes out of station. I have downloaded YWriter4 – amazing software – has made writing very easy. Thanks
I wandered into your blog via Indiblogger and have bookmarked you.
Thanks Phoenixritu….hope you like it too. And thanks for the book mark.