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

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER


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.


THE DARK SIDE

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


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.


ONE GREAT TIP


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


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


IN THE BIZ


TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

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

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • The Appeal of Hours-Long YouTube Recaps

    The Appeal of Hours-Long YouTube Recaps

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 37 | April 28, 2022 As I write this, I am three hours deep into YouTuber Quinton Hoover’s first iCarly recap, which clocks in just under five hours. If you think that’s bizarre, it’s not as unusual as it seems. Uber-long YouTube videos like Hoover’s have risen in popularity over the past couple…

  • Nikita Dragun’s New Chapter

    Nikita Dragun’s New Chapter

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 38 | May 5, 2022 Nikita Dragun is a complicated fixture in the creator space. She’s one of the most visible and outspoken trans influencers in the world. She’s also become infamous for drama and controversy over the past few years. Scandal has been a driving force in her career thus far, following her from YouTube to…

  • đŸ‘» Snapchat Fails Black Creators

    đŸ‘» Snapchat Fails Black Creators

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 40 | May 19, 2022 Since the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020, many platforms have pledged to support Black creators through dedicated funds and incubator programs. The creator economy, like many other industries, has been facing an ongoing reckoning over the racial biases impacting Black creators. Still,…