Implementation of electoral process in major associations of the Television industry

To establish spaces for dialogue with government authorities and to build solidarity among the professional community of television fiction makers (such as television drama, TV series and single- episode dramas), cultural professionals have established associations of their own. There are thirteen associations of various professionals working in television in Bangladesh - such as actors, directors, producers, assistant directors, makeup technicians, cinematographers, lighting technicians, owners of filming location, writers, technical professionals, television presenters andproducers.
Most of these professionalassociations follow a selection procedure and have set up executive committees. Only recently have major associations started the electoral practice, which resembles the democratic process. The Director's Guild of the Television industry first started the process in 2016, followed by Actors Equity and Programme Producers Association.
Fiveof the professional associations (namely, the Directors Guild, Actors Equity, Television Programme Producers Association, Writers Equity and Cameramen's Association) have also signed agreements among themselves for establishing discipline and professionalism in their respective sectors. The main objective of these agreements was to ensure transparency among the stakeholders. The agreements have more than 50 clauses, notable among them are guidelines about mandatory signing of contracts prior to commencement of work, shooting schedules and mode of payment.