LS polls brings cheer to city cameramen

As many as 170 videographers hired by Mysore district admin

With the Election Model of Conduct hitting some of the industries like tourism, flex and hoarding makers, it has brought cheers among lensmen in the city.

Most of them have even moved out of the district due to heavy demand from parties to shoot electioneering activities across the State.

As per the Election Commission directives, all poll related activities have to be recorded for future verification and to check malpractices. During the last Assembly elections, the Election Commission had a tough time hiring videographers for election duty as it was the wedding season. This year however as there is no good ‘muhurtham’ till beginning of the month of May, cameramen have opted for poll duty.

Profitable

Chandrashekar M S, a freelance videographer from the city has bagged good work, so much so that he has appointed eight videographers under him.

“Election work is more profitable during off season. Otherwise I get hardly one or two wedding, and other function orders. I have received work for the whole month and the pay is also good,” he said cheerfully.

He said that the Election Commission paid Rs 800 per each session, and everyday there are two sessions. The cameraman has to bring his own video camera as well as cassettes required for the recording.

“The other cameramen whom I have appointed are my friends and I have told them that they can take a break if they have any private weddings and other function orders,” he added.

Swamy, a videographer who is currently posted for election duty at Sugunahalli in Tumkur taluk said that work has provided some respite during off season. “Nowadays, there are cameramen in every nook and corner of the city. In such a situation it is difficult to get orders, and this offer is a boon,” he expressed.

Another videographer Bhakta, who is now deployed at Bangalore said that he is being paid Rs 1,200 per day (after deducting agent commission). “While regular videography pays me Rs 2,500 per day. I find this is profitable as I am employed for the entire month,” he said.

170 videographers

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha speaking to Deccan Herald said that about 170 videographers have been appointed in the Mysore district.