Jobs in Tollywood Industry as Workers Continue Strike

Jobs in Tollywood Industry: Film workers in Tollywood have been demanding a salary hike for quite some time. As their demands went unmet, they launched a strike under the Film Federation. They stopped all shooting activities and began protesting, stating they wouldn’t return to work until their wages were increased. In response, members of the Film Chamber met to discuss the issue. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) released a statement saying the 30% wage hike demanded by the trade unions was not feasible.

❂ TFCC Issues Key Statement on Wage Hike:

The TFCC explained that the film industry is currently facing financial stress. It said that holding a protest at such a time is not appropriate. The producers unanimously opposed the hike, arguing that small producers could not bear the additional cost. The TFCC also clarified that, as per the Minimum Wage Act, producers have the right to hire any worker.

❂ Union Rules Causing Trouble for Workers:

In this situation, the Film Chamber made a crucial decision. As a result, it announced that producers can now hire workers who are not members of the union. Even though many workers are willing to work, the unions are not allowing them without costly memberships. According to TFCC, demanding lakhs for union membership is blocking new talent and pushing existing workers out.

Furthermore, TFCC accused the unions of preventing newcomers from getting opportunities. It said that, in comparison to other industries, many Tollywood crafts already pay well, especially in production, where workers receive additional benefits and double payments. Nevertheless, the issue lies with union restrictions. Only union members are allowed to work, and getting a union card reportedly costs lakhs, depending on the craft. Because of this, several production companies have now chosen to ignore the strike and hire freely. Consequently, job advertisements have been released in Tollywood. The Producers Guild has made an official announcement listing the departments with vacancies.

❂ SVC Calls for Crew Applications:

Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC), led by producer Dil Raju, posted a job call on its official X account and website. The Telugu Film Producers Guild invites applications from experienced professionals and aspiring newcomers for upcoming Telugu films.

❂ Workers’ Demands Behind the Strike:

The film industry has a long-standing rule: every three years, worker wages should be increased by 30%. Despite this, the hike hasn’t happened in the last four years. Over the years, the Film Federation approached the Chamber several times, yet producers did not agree to a wage increase. In response, the Film Federation has now declared it will only work on projects where producers agree to the 30% hike. On the other hand, producers have united and clearly stated they won’t approve any wage increase at this time. Moreover, they stressed that employers have the right to hire whoever they want. Taking this into account, the Film Chamber issued a job notification. Additionally, they said even those with limited experience could apply, as production houses are ready to provide training.

Also Read: Telugu Film Industry Faces Crisis Over Wage Disputes: Producers Respond

❂ Departments Hiring in Tollywood:

⦿ Direction (ADs, Script Supervisors)
⦿ Cinematography (DoPs, Camera Assistants, Focus Pullers)
⦿ Lighting (Gaffers, Light Assistants)
⦿ Art (Production Designers, Art Assistants, Set Dressers)
⦿ Sound (Sync Sound Recordists, Boom Operators)
⦿ Editing & Post-Production (Editors, DI Artists, VFX Supervisors, Voice Artists)
⦿ Makeup & Costume Designers & Assistants
⦿ Dance Choreographers and Dancers
⦿ Stunts and SFX Technicians
⦿ Production Managers & Assistants

Take a look at the post:

🎬 TELUGU FILM PRODUCERS GUILD
CALLING FOR FILM CREW – VARIOUS CRAFTS.

The Telugu Film Producers Guild invites applications from experienced and aspiring professionals for upcoming Telugu film projects.

Required Crafts:
•Direction Department (ADs, Script Supervisors)…

— Sri Venkateswara Creations (@SVC_official) August 4, 2025

The industry is evolving and this is a bold new step towards bringing in skilled workers into our industry.

Producers are ready for this refreshing change, giving opportunities to everyone without any union barriers.

Apply Now:
🔗 https://t.co/mWuRCwfvz9
📧 : info@atfpg.com pic.twitter.com/cQ7wGeuhtS

— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) August 4, 2025

❂ Who Can Apply?

⦿ Candidates with skill certification or prior experience in films, web series, or commercials will be preferred.
⦿ Applications are open to those who can work in a team environment.
⦿ A dedicated website link has been provided for applications.

❂ Mythri Movie Makers Also Join the Initiative

Along with Dil Raju’s production house, Mythri Movie Makers invited newcomers to apply. They shared a website link and asked interested candidates to submit their applications to the relevant departments.