🔊 Dhar Mann Studios Accused of Cultivating ‘Culture of Fear’

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER

Issue #115 | Mar. 9, 2023

In this week’s highlighted story, we’re exploring viral protests which began in February 2023 against Dhar Mann Studios, a YouTube empire with over 17 million subscribers. 

In interviews with Passionfruit, four actors and creators who worked for the YouTube channel accused the company of not providing what they deem a fair wage; inadequate food and water on set; having 10-hour work days for child actors; conducting a “smear campaign” against them in the wake of their protests; and of perpetuating a “culture of fear” in the workplace that led to actors feeling silenced. A representative for Dhar Mann Studios also spoke with Passionfruit, vehemently denying all of these claims. 

What unfolded illuminates what can happen when a YouTuber transforms into a full-blown media company and the potential perils that follow.

– Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor

THE DARK SIDE

Dhar Mann actors allege ‘culture of fear’ underpinning YouTube empire

Four actors spoke with Passionfruit about their protests against the YouTube empire Dhar Mann Studios.

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor

→ READ THE FULL STORY

Filming yourself has never been easier

Meet SwitchPod: the minimal, versatile handheld tripod. SwitchPod works with any camera, from a phone to a DSLR, and simplifies video making for creators. Lightweight and nearly indestructible, the mini tripod makes it easy to travel to awesome locations for the ultimate photo or video shoots.

MAKE THE SWITCH

ONE GREAT TIP

“Batch filming saves you so much stress. We started 2023 with two episodes already filmed and spent January/February filming 9 more. We essentially have hours of content already in the can and don’t have to scramble for interviews anymore.”

—The creators behind The Editing Podcast on the biggest lesson they’ve learned in 2023.

THE HIGHLIGHT

5 Women’s History TikTokers to follow this International Women’s Day

With hundreds of thousands of years worth of ground to cover, here are just a few of the creators bringing untold women’s histories to light.

By Eve Upton-Clark, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

TIPS AND TRICKS

How a hobby turned into a career: TikTok chef Alejandra Tapia on her rapid rise as a food creator

Alejandra Tapia, also known as @nanajoe19, discusses how she gained and monetized her following on TikTok.

By Adrienne Hunter, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

IN THE BIZ

TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

By popular creator demand, you can now use the green screen filter with other filters!

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • BookTok’s Hockey Smut Sexualization Problem

    BookTok’s Hockey Smut Sexualization Problem

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #156 | August 1, 2023 Ah, BookTok. A place heralded as a safe haven for young female readers—both feminist and not-so-feminist. It’s a place for some to connect over the revolutionary musings of Bell Hooks and Audre Lorde. A place to be a self-aware Sally Rooney sad girl, an unhinged satirical “My…

    By

    Grace Stanley

  • What Makes a Career Content Creator?

    What Makes a Career Content Creator?

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #155 | July 27, 2023 Words mean something. It’s important to define your terminology—especially now, during Hot Labor Summer, with SAG, the WGA, and several non-Hollywood-based unions on strike.  Unfortunately, in the case of SAG in particular, a lot of the terminology has gotten quite muddled, sometimes leading to conflicting responses. If…

    By

    Grace Stanley

  • Get Your Head in the Clouds

    Get Your Head in the Clouds

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #154 | July 25, 2023 If you’re anything like me (a creative individual with attention deficits), you’ll remember school days when teachers bemoaned you for having your head in the clouds, with end-of-semester report cards that read: “Grace is great, but has a habit of daydreaming.” I don’t know about you, but…

    By

    Grace Stanley