RE- IMMIARATION AMENDMENT BILL

I have been advised by the National Film & Video Foundation to write to you regarding the above.
I represent the top acting talent in South Africa and have done so for the past thirty years and I am writing to you on behalf of all leading South African talent agents, and their clients.

It is of grave concern to all of us that foreign actors can come into this country on a holiday visa and work on films, television and in theatre without applying for a work permit. This does not happen anywhere else in the world.

Time and time again, actors - not necessarily big-name stars, are being brought in to play parts, often those of South African characters. This means that our actors are losing not only their income, but the chance to gain experience.

We need protection for our actors. They cannot travel to America, Australia, France, England, or any other country and work as an actor without a work permit. There are many actors here who are "stars" in their own right. Why should they have to play secondary roles, often no better than day players - to overseas actors who are inferior to them? When the rest of the world grows bored with using SA as a location they will leave for pastures new – and they will leave behind an industry bereft of skills and confidence.

And, to add insult to injury, SA money is invested in many of these films without any stipulations that SA actors or heads of departments are to be used.

This is not acceptable - The government should be proud of the actors in this country. Many of them have been far more successful than the sports players who are continuously lauded The foreign directors who have used South African talent have the highest praise for them.

We realize that often "stars" are required to head up films for financial reasons. It is the of the "no-name brands" to whom we object.

If work permits were in place, the production companies would have to audition South African actors before work permits could be granted. This would at least give us a chance. I have believed in our local talent for the last thirty years and really believe that many of them are world class. . It is so sad when actors move to another country to pursue their careers. It is a huge loss for us. However many of them have no alternative - But many cannot leave.
Actors should be respected and protected - We need to build this talent, not destroy it.

We must make a concerted effort to stop the rape of the entertainment industry - and the first step is the re-introduction of work permits.
Please give this serious attention.
Thank you
Moonyeenn Lee

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