KUALA LUMPUR: The filming of television dramas may be back in full swing now, but producers are lamenting that A-list actors and actresses are hard to come by.
Talented and popular actors as Syafiq Kyle, Shukri Yahya and Sharnaaz Ahmad, and actresses as Janna Nick, Mira Filzah and Nabila Razali are the current favourites of production companies, but it is not easy to get hold of them for several projects at a time.
Producer Jaja Ishak of Syarikat Kembara Sufi Productions said that his company recently announced 10 new drama projects, but none of the A-list stars were available for them.
As a result, he suggested that television stations give supporting actors and actresses a chance to take on leading roles.
"It is not easy to get the A-listers for our latest dramas, as more often than not, their hands are full. Perhaps it would be good for those who normally play supporting characters to step up and be the heroes and heroines for a change," he said in an interview with Berita Harian Online today.
Jaja said that if supporting actors and actresses "moved up" in television dramas, they would gain useful experience and one day join the ranks of A-listers.
"On their part, they should boost their followers on social media by promoting their latest TV roles," he said.
Pencil Pictures & Records producer Datuk Ayu Puteh agreed with Jaja.
She said: "We plan to give three months of training for supporting actors and actresses, so that they will boost their skills and fill in the shoes of grade A stars. The current crop of grade A stars is getting old, and now is the right time for their juniors to step up."
Ayu listed actors Meerqeen and Hun Haqeem, and actresses Wanna Ali, Daiyan Trisha, Chacha Maembong and Raysha Rizrose as some of the rising stars with potential.
Producer Datuk A Aida said that there were many supporting actors and actresses who deserved to be given a chance to "grow" as leading men and women of television dramas.
"I often promote new faces with talent and popularity, as I believe that the industry cannot depend on a handful of actors and actresses forever," she said.
Citing Aedy Ashraf and Amelia Henderson as two young stars she enjoyed working with, Aida said that it was also important to ensure that the storylines and characters matched the talents of the main actors and actresses.
