Muvhango star Mona Monyane exposes the dark side of the industry
So you want to be a famous, huh? Well then you might want to sit down and pay attention to what actress Mona Monyane has to say.
The Muvhango star has been in the local entertainment industry for some time now and has learnt a few "truths" she wants us all to know.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Mona launched a scathing attack on the industry and how it treats actors, saying that financially it would have been better for her to have chosen a career in psychology.
The lack of security in the acting industry doesn't make being an actress fun. You get written about, disrespected and still don't get paid
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
Many actors at retirement age are still having to go to auditions etc because there is no retirement fund in this industry
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
No medical aid, no maternity leave pay, no warning as to when work may just dry up for you. You are literally on your own
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
Mona, who recently gave birth, admitted that it is a risk to start a family when employed as an actor because "getting back (into the industry) may be very hard".
She went on to explain that because people see you on TV they immediately assume that you have money, when in fact many "celebrities" are underpaid.
Banks don't give us homeloans as freelancers so paying rent is a reality that may never end, or owning a car may never even happen...
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
It's worse when you aren't an efficient "celebrity" with many media connections and endorsements. You have to find ways to make money
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
Your varsity qualifications aren't considered when casting for roles. Instead your looks take precedence to a lot more, even talent
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
All you can do is work your ass off and hope that you get opportunities that assure some kind of future for yourself and family
— Mona Monyane (@MonaMonyane) October 16, 2016
Her comments were shared by a number of popular and respected SA actors, including Kgomotso Christopher, Florence Masebe, Rami Chuene and Lesley Musina.
"The point is, if the industry was regulated, minimum wage, retirement funds etc would be non matters. Being an actor in SA is one of the worst career choices in the entertainment industry," Lesley wrote in response to the tweets.
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