Mackie Galvez posted on his Facebook page the statement of the Filipino cinematographers regarding their work hours in the production industry. It’s a statement undersigned by 61 people and growing.
In the statement, they addressed their concern for the alarming state of work hours. In some cases, work exceeds 24 hours and back to back shooting days were normal practices.
With these inhumane work schedules, they are concerned about the health and safety of crew members such as gaffers, camera men and the likes.
Many have died in the industry due to heart attack triggered by stress and lack of proper and adequate rest.
Direct Quote:
FILIPINO CINEMATOGRAPHERS’ STATEMENT
REGARDING WORK HOURS IN THE PRODUCTION INDUSTRYWe, the undersigned, are concerned with the alarming state of work hours in the production industry, be it in filmmaking (feature, short, mainstream and independent), television and corporate materials (TVC’s, AVP’s and online digital content). For quite some time there have been no standard working hours implemented, with shoots reaching and/or exceeding twenty-four hours, and the practice of back-to-back shooting days without proper turnaround is the norm.
As cinematographers, we are responsible not only for the visual design of a project, but the welfare of the crew that allow us to do our job. The inhumane working hours are not only detrimental to the quality of our work, but also the health and safety of the numerous crew members under our department (gaffers, cameramen, grips, etc).
There have been multiple statements that specific groups have released and we feel that this is merely the first step in a long process of effecting change in the industry. We are calling for a forum, a coming together of minds, so that each group may state their stand on the matter. We are calling for representatives from all departments of production, directors, producers, cinematographers, actors, production designers, and assistant directors, to come together, no longer operating as independent groups, but as one industry constantly striving to improve the craft of Filipino visual arts.
Thank you.
Signatories:
Abello, Jay  Ablaza, Imee Arumpac, Adjani Avellana, Ike Balce, Eli G. Briones-Meily, Lee Buhay III, Ricardo Caluag, Gian Clamor, Tey Cruz, Ber Cruz, Erwin Dalena, KiriDavid, MyckoDaza, NeilDycaico, DomFlor, Steven Flores, Odie Galvez, Mackie Garcia, Ab Garcia,Sol Gardoce, GaryGo, Kerwin Idanan, Ice Ignacio, Pong Jamir, Nap Javier, Malay Lacap, MarceeLacap, RodyLimjap, Marco Lozada, Theo Lumbera, Jim Jasper J. Macababat Jr, Nelson Manalaysay, Mico Manda, Larry Marasigan, Ian Mempin, Itok Mendoza, Carlo Monzon, Anne Munda, Marvene Rom C. Orendain, Pao Palomares, Sasha Pandy, Jt Pangan, Paul Vincent dela Pena, Alma dela Pena, Dexter Quirino, Louie Redoble, Monchie Salas, Tristan Sales, Rommel Andreo C. (Slow Fader) Sarte, Shayne SyCip, Zechariah Joseph (Zach) Tadena, J.A. Tarnate, Mccoy Teehankee, Noel Villegas, Dan Viola, Arvin Vistan Giboy Yamson II, Rain Yniguez, Boy Zee, Moises
There will be a meeting between known people from the industry at the Department of Labor and Employment in Intramuros to discuss this on Monday, April 11, 2016.
Do you agree with the statement of the Filipino Cinematographers?
