The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has once again found itself in the spotlight. This after the film body issued a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh on Monday, May
25, in connection with the Don 3 controversy. While the organisation frequently makes headlines during disputes involving actors, filmmakers and production houses, do you know what FWICE actually is and how much influence it holds in the Indian entertainment industry? Let’s find out.
What Is FWICE?
FWICE or the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, is one of India’s largest umbrella bodies representing workers and technicians employed in the film and television industry. The organisation was established in 1958 and has its headquarters in Mumbai. According to its official website, FWICE represents over five lakh workers through several affiliated associations.
Its members include spot boys, makeup artists, junior artists, dancers, stunt performers, editors, lightmen, cameramen, costume staff, writers, directors’ assistants and numerous other behind-the-scenes workers.
Ashoke Pandit, who announced a ban on Ranveer Singh on Monday, is the Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees.
What Does FWICE Do?
FWICE primarily works to protect the rights, wages and working conditions of workers in the Indian film industry. The federation intervenes in labour disputes, payment delays, contract violations and conflicts between artists and producers. It also negotiates working conditions for technicians and daily wage workers across film sets. Apart from labour-related issues, time and again, FWICE has also played a role in industry-wide disciplinary matters.
“One of the other main objectives is to take care of the interests, rights and privileges of Cine & TV employees in all matters relating to their employment and living conditions, and also to negotiate with State and/or Central Government for the enactment of suitable legislation’s with a view to provide for adequate safeguards of the interests of the entire film fraternity,” the official website of FWICE mentions.
Are Actors Members Of FWICE?
No, most Bollywood actors are not direct members of FWICE. It is because FWICE primarily represents film and television workers and technicians.
While actors are not directly part of FWICE, they usually belong to separate professional bodies instead. For example, one of the most prominent organisations for actors is the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), which represents film and television performers. Several well-known actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh, have been associated with CINTAA or similar industry bodies rather than FWICE directly.
