Creative Industry Players Must Understand Contracts - FINAS CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Creative industry players need to have and understand employment contracts to protect their rights and income, particularly when faced with delayed payment issues.

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said some industry players still work without signing contracts, making it difficult for them to refer to employment terms when payment or termination issues arise.

“Sometimes when they work, the contract is not even signed, so when there are issues involving late payment or dismissal, they cannot refer to anything because there is no contract.

“Knowledge of contracts is important for creative industry players because sometimes they simply sign contracts without understanding their contents,” he said as a panellist at the forum titled “Art, Popularity and Financial Survival: Empowering the Creative Industry Through the Second Chance Policy (DPK)” here today.

The forum, organised by the Malaysian Department of Insolvency (MdI) in collaboration with FINAS, aims to raise awareness among creative industry players about financial management and the role of DPK in assisting individuals facing financial and debt problems.

Azmir said creative industry players also need to understand the scope of work and rights stipulated in their contracts, including the use of actors’ likenesses through artificial intelligence (AI), which could potentially affect their income.

“For example, he wants to act in a TV drama for three scenes, but his face is used for two hours through AI, while he does not read the contract and does not know his rights,” he said.

Meanwhile, he proposed for industry associations to work together with FINAS to strengthen artists managers’ knowledge of financial management and career planning so that their role extends beyond handling schedules and public relations.

He also suggested that entrepreneurship guidance to be given early to creative industry players interested in starting businesses, including connecting them with agencies such as the Malaysian People's Trust (MARA) and SME Corp Malaysia to prepare them for periods when job opportunities decline.

Creative industry players were also advised not to be ashamed of seeking assistance when facing financial difficulties or bankruptcy.

“It is not necessarily the case that someone who is (bankrupt) has reached the ending point. There are agencies out there that are able to assist, such as the Insolvency (Department), the Credit Counselling and Management Agency (AKPK), zakat centres and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO),” he said.

-- BERNAMA