Actors must pay production losses for drug offenses or face jail, says producer

Malaysian film producer Datuk Ayu Puteh has outlined strict contractual clauses for actors, requiring them to bear the financial consequences of any drug-related issues that disrupt productions.

According to Ayu, founder of Pencil Pictures and Records Sdn Bhd, contracts clearly state that actors must compensate for filming costs and pay three times the losses stemming from their drug-related problems. Failure to meet these financial obligations can result in imprisonment.

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The actor is ordered to pay the cost of filming and three times the loss caused by the problem related to him. This matter is stated in the contract. If he fails to pay the cost, he will go to jail.

"The actor is ordered to pay the cost of filming and three times the loss caused by the problem related to him. This matter is stated in the contract. If he fails to pay the cost, he will go to jail," Ayu told Utusan Malaysia. She added that these clauses are always included due to the unpredictable nature of drug abuse issues.

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As a producer, we will never have the opportunity to remind actors to maintain discipline when they are involved in a film or drama. However, the contract signed by the actor clearly states this.

Ayu also warned actors against engaging in activities that could jeopardize filming schedules. She noted that while producers cannot constantly monitor actors' conduct, the contracts serve as a clear warning. "As a producer, we will never have the opportunity to remind actors to maintain discipline when they are involved in a film or drama. However, the contract signed by the actor clearly states this," she said.

The producer highlighted the significant financial and logistical challenges faced by production houses when an actor is arrested for drug offenses. Filming may halt, schedules need complete overhauls, and the project's reception can be negatively impacted as audiences may become averse to content associated with drug-related scandals.

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Producers will suffer losses in terms of time, schedules also need to be revamped. And at the same time people will not watch the drama or film just to find out who the actor arrested for drug case is. People will become disgusted because anything related to drugs is negative.