Latest news with #Sandra
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sandra Thomas stands firm as FEFKA union slaps Rs 50 Lakh defamation suit over comments on production controllers
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas has landed in legal trouble following a controversial interview where she openly criticized the relevance and functioning of production controllers in the Malayalam film industry. As reported by On Manorama, the FEFKA Production Executive Union has now filed a defamation case against her, accusing her of making derogatory and damaging remarks that allegedly tarnish the image of their members. Reportedly, the union has approached the Ernakulam sub-court seeking Rs 50 lakh in damages, stating that Sandra's comments undermined the vital role production controllers play in filmmaking. Thudarum - Official Trailer 'I stand by my words,' says Sandra Thomas Reacting to the case, Sandra Thomas maintained her stance. In a Facebook post she wrote,' Standing firm in the stand ! No step back from what was said, will face the case legally. No official notification has been received from the legal systems other than the information through the media, appropriate legal actions will be taken as soon as possible.' 'I said it out of sheer frustration' In an interview, given to a YouTube channel two months ago, Sandra did not mince words. She claimed that many production controllers are functioning more like artist managers than production professionals, "They are now functioning more like artist managers. The title should be changed from 'Production Controller' to 'Artist Manager'.' She further said that the production controllers don't even have a basic understanding of production control. She further alleged widespread misuse of the role, claiming that many have personally benefited. "When a production controller gets involved, everything gets cut. Many of them have gone on to buy flats, houses, and cars," she said. Sandra Thomas further alleged, "I've even told some of them — if you're going to take something, at least do it in a way that I don't catch it. Yes, I said it out of sheer frustration." Sandra also accused FEFKA of exerting pressure to retain production controllers, saying producers lack the freedom to replace them. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
‘We'll never come home' – Irish family paying three times their mortgage in childcare move to Spain to save money
A MUM who moved her family to Spain says she would never return to Ireland or the UK – after finding she could save thousands on childcare and other costs abroad. Sandra Laurie packed her bags along with her husband, Warner, and their two children, Oliver, 12, and nine-year-old Abi, in 2017. Advertisement 3 The Irish family were paying €1,857 a month on childcare in Co Tipperary Credit: Jam Press/Geir Stint 3 They relocated to Spain, where they were able to afford cheaper childcare and a bigger pad Credit: Jam Press/Geir Stint The family had been forking out over €1,800 a month on childcare costs alone while living in their native Co The financial strain proved too much, along with a low quality of life, and they decided to up sticks and head for sunnier – and cheaper – climes. Leaving their jobs and small For Sandra, 38, the idea of moving away came back when the family had visited the area to celebrate her 30th birthday. Advertisement READ MORE ON COST OF LIVING Talking to What's The Jam, she said: 'We had met other families already living in the 'We were on the plane home when we said, 'It's now or never.' 'The Costa del Sol offered sunshine, family life, and a healthier way of living. We had been there many times over the years on At the time, Sandra and her husband were spending triple their monthly mortgage costs on childcare alone. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous She said: 'Despite good salaries, the cost of living in Ireland made life extremely difficult. Our mortgage was only €600 a month, but 'It consumed the majority of our disposable income. We were essentially working to pay for someone else to raise our children.' MEDICAL EXPENSES They also had medical expenses, with their son suffering from severe Sandra added: 'Often we were forced to choose between Advertisement 'Everything had to be budgeted meticulously, which added a lot of stress to our relationship. We realised something had to change.' That something proved to be a dramatic move, with them leaving their roles – Sandra working as a contact centre director and Warner working as a sales team leader – to pursue a real estate business in DRASTIC IMPROVEMENTS They had just €50,000 to their name, which was from the sale of their Ireland home, and they used it to secure rent for their first year abroad. But it was entirely worth the financial struggle. Sandra said: 'The difference [in our lifestyle] was immediate and drastic. Nursery fees can be heavily subsidised or free, Advertisement 'Our childcare costs dropped to around €200 per month. We also noticed a huge difference in daily expenses – eating out is affordable, a 'We went from living paycheque to paycheque to finally being able to save and enjoy life with our family. HUGE PERK 'Everything in Spain is family-centric, so not only did we benefit from the financial benefit, but we moved to a culture where you socialise with your Another huge perk has been getting to see their children grow up 'happy, healthy and fluent in multiple languages.' Advertisement Sandra said: 'It's been incredible [for them]. They spend more time outdoors, participate in sports, and have adjusted beautifully. The lifestyle is slower, safer, and more focused on family. 'They are open-minded and are used to interacting with multiple cultures because the Costa del Sol is a cultural melting pot.' 'SPAIN HAS ADOPTED US' Sandra and Warner established their real estate business in 2018 and started investing in property – buying, renovating, and selling homes, which eventually allowed them to buy their 'dream' home. She said: 'I don't believe we could have had this level of success in Ireland, due to the higher operating costs and lack of flexibility and support for working parents. Spain gave us the opportunity to build a business and a better life.' Advertisement Sandra now helps coach other people who want to relocate to Spain and enjoy similar successes. And, with all the perks they've cited from being there, she says they will never move back home. She added, 'We don't plan on ever moving back. Spain has adopted us, and it truly feels like home. The slower pace of life, the family-friendly culture, the cost of living, and the better climate – these are just some of the reasons we plan to stay. GIVEN TIME 'Also, rising home costs in the 'Living abroad, particularly in Spain, has given us something we never had in Ireland: time. Time to enjoy life, raise our kids, build a business, and thrive, not just survive. Advertisement 'We are grateful every day for the life we have created here, and it's a privilege to enjoy it. Ireland will always be in our hearts, but we have found our future here.' 3 They said they will never return to Ireland after finding a comfortable lifestyle in Spain Credit: Jam Press/Geir Stint
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Estrella MediaCo Announces Key Leadership Promotions in National and Digital Sales
NEW YORK, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Estrella MediaCo is pleased to announce the promotions of two standout leaders as part of its continued investment in cross-platform growth and multicultural market leadership. Rogerio Alves has been promoted to Vice President, Digital Sales – CTV and Audio Streaming, where he will lead monetization strategies across Estrella's growing digital video and audio portfolio, including FAST channels, CTV, and streaming audio platforms. "Rogerio has been instrumental in shaping our digital growth strategy, consistently driving innovation and results across our CTV and audio platforms," said Brian Fisher, SVP of Video Sales. "His promotion to Vice President of Digital Sales is a testament to his leadership, vision, and deep understanding of the evolving media landscape." Sandra Sanchez has been promoted to Vice President, National Sales, where she will oversee Estrella's broadcast and digital sales across all national spot markets. Sandra has played a critical role in deepening relationships with top agencies and clients, consistently delivering results and elevating Estrella's national presence. "Sandra brings both precision and passion to every client partnership. Her ability to lead with clarity and build trust across the industry has been a driving force behind our national growth," added Fisher. Both Alves and Sanchez will report directly to Brian Fisher, Senior Vice President of Video Sales, who oversees all sales across Estrella MediaCo's digital and broadcast video platforms. "These promotions are a reflection of the exceptional talent driving Estrella MediaCo's momentum," said Fisher. "Rogerio and Sandra are trusted leaders who understand how to deliver results for brands while representing the power and authenticity of multicultural media." About MediaCo: MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, diverse-targeted media business. MediaCo stands at the forefront of entertainment and news, uniquely positioned as a leader in reaching multicultural audiences. Through its diverse portfolio of digital, television and radio properties including EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Hot 97, WBLS and Que Buena LA, MediaCo engages over 20 million people every month, delivering a dynamic mix of free, ad-supported streaming and terrestrial entertainment, music, and news across all major media platforms and on all devices. More info at View source version on Contacts For press inquiries: press@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Estrella MediaCo Announces Key Leadership Promotions in National and Digital Sales
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Estrella MediaCo is pleased to announce the promotions of two standout leaders as part of its continued investment in cross-platform growth and multicultural market leadership. Rogerio Alves has been promoted to Vice President, Digital Sales – CTV and Audio Streaming, where he will lead monetization strategies across Estrella's growing digital video and audio portfolio, including FAST channels, CTV, and streaming audio platforms. 'Rogerio has been instrumental in shaping our digital growth strategy, consistently driving innovation and results across our CTV and audio platforms,' said Brian Fisher, SVP of Video Sales. 'His promotion to Vice President of Digital Sales is a testament to his leadership, vision, and deep understanding of the evolving media landscape.' Sandra Sanchez has been promoted to Vice President, National Sales, where she will oversee Estrella's broadcast and digital sales across all national spot markets. Sandra has played a critical role in deepening relationships with top agencies and clients, consistently delivering results and elevating Estrella's national presence. 'Sandra brings both precision and passion to every client partnership. Her ability to lead with clarity and build trust across the industry has been a driving force behind our national growth,' added Fisher. Both Alves and Sanchez will report directly to Brian Fisher, Senior Vice President of Video Sales, who oversees all sales across Estrella MediaCo's digital and broadcast video platforms. 'These promotions are a reflection of the exceptional talent driving Estrella MediaCo's momentum,' said Fisher. 'Rogerio and Sandra are trusted leaders who understand how to deliver results for brands while representing the power and authenticity of multicultural media.' About MediaCo: MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, diverse-targeted media business. MediaCo stands at the forefront of entertainment and news, uniquely positioned as a leader in reaching multicultural audiences. Through its diverse portfolio of digital, television and radio properties including EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Hot 97, WBLS and Que Buena LA, MediaCo engages over 20 million people every month, delivering a dynamic mix of free, ad-supported streaming and terrestrial entertainment, music, and news across all major media platforms and on all devices. More info at
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘Sacred journey' turns into tragedy: Australian woman seeks fundraiser help to return after husband, daughter die in TN accident
A trip to India to visit a Christian pilgrim shrine near Tamil Nadu's Karaikal turned tragic for an Australian family, now survived only by Sandra Edward and her older daughter Angie, both grievously injured and seeking help to return to their country. Melbourne-based Sandra was in India with her husband Dass Santiago (45) and two daughters — Angie and Natasha. They were on a 'sacred journey', visiting Santiago's ailing mother after her husband's older brother died in Sydney last year. He worked for Nissan Dandenong in Melbourne. On May 21, as they were headed to the Velankanni Christian shrine, their van collided with a bus on a highway near Karaikal. Six family members were killed in the accident including Santiago and five-year-old Natasha who was looking to ring in her sixth birthday next month. 'I saw my husband die in front of me. That image is burned into my mind, a cruel, relentless torment,' Sandra wrote on a GoFundMe page created to raise about 150,ooo AUD to fund her daughter and her medical evacuation back to Australia. It is also expected to cover the memorial planned for her husband and younger daughter on June 14. The GoFundMe page raised almost 137,000 AUD as of June 2. Sandra, who was seriously injured, underwent two surgeries and is still receiving medical treatment. 'Barely surviving the crash myself with multiple fractures and life-threatening injuries, I clung to the hope that my children were safe,' she was quoted as saying on Daily Mail. The impact of the accident crushed her elder daughter Angie's skull. She remains in a coma after undergoing two brain surgeries. 'I must live for Angie. She is my reason to fight, my last shred of hope in this unfathomable darkness. We desperately need the specialised medical care that can give us a chance at recovery and at rebuilding shattered lives,' Sandra added. The family were members of the St Kevin's Catholic Parish in Hampton Park, which paid tribute this week. 'We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those we've lost, and pray for strength and hope for the ones still battling through this heartbreaking situation,' the parish wrote in a post on social media. Meanwhile, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is providing consular assistance to Sandra for her return to Melbourne. — With inputs from Daily Mail.
