Spot Boys

Those conversant with film making are aware of the term spot boy. The number of persons working as spot boys has increased due to the increased production of films and TV serials. This is the position at the lowest rung in the entertainment industry. It does not have much status. The simplest possible definition of a spot boy is one who executes all and sundry work on the sets. He is the counterpart of a peon in industry and commerce. The spot boys play a great role in outdoor shooting. A spot boy arranges the meals on the set, collects the vessels and plates, distributes tea, manages the guests on the sets, bids good bye to the persons leaving, arranges the chairs for the actors and keep them shifting as required, holds an umbrella on the head of the stars and so on and so forth. A spot boy facilitates the shooting by doing odd jobs. There are two types of spot boys in the entertainment industry. Those employed by the producer and those employed by the stars. A production house generally manages with a team of 5 – 7 spot boys. An ambitious project may need a team of 15 – 17 spot boys. Spot boys are given credit in the titles. The shift is of 8 hours. They are paid RS 450 per shift. If the work is prolonged, they get over time. A star too employs a spot boy along with other supporting staff such as secretary, driver, make-up man and hair – dresser. A spot boy attends to the personal requirements of the star. The tasks are done silently. A spot boy employed by the star gets better remuneration. Some stars make the producer pay for the spot boys. A spot boy must be a member of Federation of Western India Cine Employees which allots an identity card.