Secluded Work Spaces of Film Industry: A Sociological Analysis of Precarity among Mid-level Crew Workers in Malayalam Film Industry

Abstract

The present study analysed the socio-economic challenges of mid-level crew workers in the Malayalam film industry, with diligent focus on their work space, social identity and economic conditions. . The study adopted a descriptive quantitative quantitative research approach. The data for the study was collected from 52 mid-level crew members, who occupy the designations of assistant directors, camera operators, production managers, and art directors. Stratified random sampling method was used to give equal representation to respondents from each designation. The analysis of the collected data reveals that mid-level crew workers operate in precarious conditions. This is marked by under employment, lack of work benefits, long gap between acquiring works reinforcing their classification as precariat in the evolving gig economic landscape of Malayalam film industry. Most respondents, despite having formal education and training in their field are receiving limited opportunities for their career growth. The professional identity of these mid level crew workers become more demeaned when they are excluded from movie credits and workplace protection schemes. Utilising a Socio-economic lens, the study advocates for equitable practices and policies for improving the conditions of these workers, where Malayalam film industry act as a creative gig economy, creating and maintaining various challenges for the mid-level crew workers.