Production of the popular TV drama series My Brother’s Keeper has allegedly been disrupted after background actors took a stand over unpaid salaries. Sources from within the production, including two actors who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that they have not been compensated for their work since December of the previous year and January of this year.
One of the anonymous actors shared their frustration, stating,
“We were called to work but haven’t received our pay since December. It’s disheartening because they continue to invite us to set, yet they don’t honor their financial obligations. On Monday, we decided we would not begin shooting unless we were compensated. We voiced our concerns, but they ignored us and proceeded with filming without us.”
The actor explained that the team’s decision to continue without the background performers clarified how the production team valued them.
“It felt as if they were sending the message that we could easily be replaced, and that our contribution was not important to them.”
The actors stopped filming altogether, halting the production in response to the ongoing disregard for their demands.
ALSO READ: Three Durban Pupils Stabbed In Alleged Racial Fight At Centenary Secondary School
The production team eventually paid the actors for December, but the January salaries remain outstanding. The actors have vowed to hold firm until the full amount is settled.
Production Coordinator Denies Disruptions
Despite the claims of the background actors, the show’s casting coordinator, Kelly Nyathi, has denied any disruptions to the production schedule. In a statement to Sunday World, Nyathi asserted that everything was proceeding as usual on set, stating, “There were no issues. I was present on set, and filming continued without interruption. We simply did not use background actors on Monday, but shooting went on as scheduled. We resumed using background actors on Tuesday and Wednesday without any further problems.”
Nyathi downplayed the situation, stating, “I’m not aware of any ongoing concerns regarding unpaid salaries. Everything is functioning smoothly.”
Actors Stand Firm on Payment Demands
Despite Nyathi’s reassurances, the actors involved in the protest have remained resolute in their demands. Another background actor involved in the protest emphasized that they would not return to work until the outstanding payments for January were settled.
ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi In Child Maintenance Battle With Two Baby Mamas
“We’re not fighting anyone, and we’re not being violent. But there will be no filming until we receive what is rightfully ours. We’ve been patient long enough, and we won’t back down.”
The actors’ resolve has left the production at an impasse, with no clear resolution in sight. The ongoing dispute highlights broader concerns about the treatment of background performers in the entertainment industry, who often face challenges related to underpayment and exploitation.