Hollywood gets tsunami aid plea

Sri Lankan producer Chandran Rutnam has asked "generous friends" in the industry, especially those who have filmed in Sri Lanka, to help.

Rutnam was production supervisor on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom when it was filmed in the country.

Hollywood figures such as Steven Spielberg have made donations, while stars have appeared on benefit shows.

"We have a good history of film-makers coming to Sri Lanka from throughout the world.

" They have a certain affection for Sri Lanka because they have had successful experiences with us "
Chandran Rutnam

"I'm sure our generous friends are looking for some way to be of comfort to us," Rutnam said.

He added that other films to be shot in Sri Lanka include Bridge on the River Kwai and Tarzan and the Apeman starring Bo Derek.

Familiar faces

His company Film Location Services also helped facilitate the productions of Indochine and Beyond Rangoon in neighbouring countries.

Rutnam said Sri Lankan film-makers had pledged 10 million rupees (£54,125) to rebuild housing in the Sri Lankan town of Tangalle but wanted to encourage more support.

"When the public see these people who are known to them in their homes through the television doing something for people, then sometimes you like to follow that lead," said Rutnam.

Rutnam is seeking contributions through the Los Angeles-based charity Knightsbridge International which is already working to provide medical supplies and food to the country.

Official figures put the death toll in Sri Lanka following the earthquake and tsunami at 30,920, with more than 430,000 made homeless by the disaster.