Procucers Council announces new scheme

The Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council has launched a scheme to help aged producers who are in financial distress.

Under the scheme, Rs 2000 is given monthly to each such producer to meet medical expenses and other immediate needs. The council has introduced the scheme considering the fact that some aged producers are virtually in penury and need some support.

The scheme took effect from January when 10 producers were covered. This month another 18 and in March 15 producers will receive the payment. All producers aged above 60, who have been permanent members of the council, will be covered in phases under the scheme, council president Rama Narayanan has announced.

Launching the scheme, he said it is producers who "create" actors, actresses and directors. But some of the producers have slipped down financially and their condition is not healthy. Leading artistes and directors should come forward to help them by giving 'call sheets' to them. Artistes and directors also should volunteer to extend whatever help they could to producers who introduced them.

Ram Narayanan cited the example of Sivaji Ganesan, who made it a point to go to Vellore every "Thai Pongal" and visit producer P.A. Perumal who had introduced him to cinema.