ITV

Category: Hindi

  • Star Trek to be released across 134 theatres for two weeks

    MUMBAI: Paramount Pictures in association with Imax Corporation has announced the re-releasing of Star Trek on 7 May. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the digitally re-mastered science fiction entertainment series will be released across 134 Imax theatres and will run for two weeks round the clock. The film will also open in 29 IMAX theatres internationally.


    “Star Trek is a fantastic addition to our 2009 film slate and we are pleased that the continuing rollout of digital Imax theatre systems made this limited release possible,” said Imax CEO Richard Gelfond. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The Imax Experience (R) with proprietary Imax DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology.


    Imax filmed entertainment chairman and president Greg Foster said, “J.J. Abrams‘ vision and Imax DNA has created a powerful combination that is generating pre-sales and buzz as fans worldwide anticipate its release.”







  • Fame multiplexes to showcase plays across India

    MUMBAI: Theatre enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice. Fame Cinemas and Mumbai Theatre Guide (MTG), through an alliance, have decided to bring the best of Indian Theatre to a multiplex environment all across the country. MTG is the only online portal catering to promotions of plays in India. The portal, besides covering English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi language plays, also provides latest happenings about the theatres, play reviews, synopsis, interviews, artiste / theatre groups‘ profiles and details of various theatre workshops.

    “Through our website, we have been extremely successful in our aim to create a platform for promotion of the theatre industry. However there‘s been a scarcity of quality venues for performances. The association with Fame Cinemas will create alternative venues and will help the theatre industry reach a larger audience. We are planning to make this a regular affair and showcase plays in various Indian languages at the multiplexes as per the audiences‘ choice,” avers MTG co-founder Bhavik J Shah.

    “It couldn‘t be a simpler model. The audiences have loved the plays we chose to host in the past. It was only natural that we take the concept further and get a regular activity going across all our multiplexes throughout the country. MTG gets an exposure which they rightfully deserve as they are doing an amazing job for theatre in the country. By this decicision, the production houses of such plays get to showcase their plays at venues throughout India. It works for all parties concerned” says Fame India programming, distribution & corporate sales AVP Aditya Shroff.

  • Malayalam film technicians on warpath, to go on strike from 16 May

    MUMBAI: In a move that could give film technicians in Kerala a better deal in the years to come, the Malayalam Cinema Technicians‘ Association (MACTA) Federation, a confederation of 11 trade unions working in the film industry in Kerala which was recently affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has threatened to go on an indefinite strike from 16 May in protest against denial of labour rights to their members by Malayalam filmmakers.Repeated attempts at the initiative of the Labour Department to settle the pending labour issues, including wage hike, failed to attain fruition due to the arrogance of the Film Producers‘ Association and the Kerala Film Chamber said MACTA president Vinayan and AITUC State general secretary Kanam Rajendran.

    Vinayan said that the MACTA, which has the support of 99 per cent of the workers, was fighting against the arrogant stance of the producers and the Film Employees‘ Federation of Kerala (FEFKA).

    It is said that the Federation decided to go on a strike after the talks that was to be held in the presence of the Labour Commissioner did not materialise due to the non-cooperation of the association and the chamber.

    The Federation would serve strike notice to the producers‘ association and the film chamber soon and organize a convention in Ernakulam on May 9 to protect cinema workers‘ rights and create public awareness about the strike.


  • UTV earmarks Rs 9 billion for movies over 2 years

     MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications plans to pump in Rs 9 billion for a mix of Hollywood and Bollywood movies spread over two years while warning that its margins will be under some pressure.

    Indian language movies will take away Rs 4.2 billion while the Hollywood slate will consume Rs 2.3 billion. Additionally, UTV will be investing Rs 2.5 billion in inventories/debtors of released movies plus unexploited rights of recent releases like TV rights and VoD/PPV rights of its 2008-2009 releases.


    A roster of 35 movies are on the floors or nearing release or in production. The slate includes Kaminey, Main Aur Mrs Khanna, Agyat, What‘s your Rashee, Wake Up Sid, Hook Ya Crook, Delhi Belly, Jihaad, A Wednesday (remake in Tamil and Telugu), Yahoo, Film City, Arjun, Alibaba & 41 Thieves, Ex-Terminators, Rajniti, Hawai Dada, Five movies of UTV SpotBoy (Aage Se Right, Pan Singh Tomar, Seasons Greetings, Peter Gaya Kaam Se and Chillar Party), Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s next with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, Anuraag Basu‘s next and Annees Bazmee directed comedy.


    UTV believes that it has bought the production cost under control. “We do admit that cost for producing movies had risen only due to market conditions and free flow of equity money and that hiked cost has also put pressure on our margins. UTV has not been immune to this industry-wide hike in costs but we believe we have brought this under control,” UTV said in a release.


    The benefits of total cost rationalization to pre 2007 days would, however, only be partly felt in 09-10 as many of its productions were already on the floor. But it said that they “fully realized and corrected from 10-11 onwards.”



    UTV will capture revenues of Namesake from the first quarter of 2009-10. “On The Happening, even though the theatrical release was only nine months back on 13 June‘08, since it did well theatrically worldwide we have recognized part of the revenues in Q4 of 08-09 to the tune of Rs 306 million. We estimate that approximately 40 per cent of the cost invested in The Happening will flow in pre and of 09-10 and the balance in ensuing years,” UTV said.


    On The Happening, UTV estimates that on investments of approximately $34 million, the revenue flowing back to the company in its first cycle of exploitation would be between $39-42 million. Of course, a lot would depend on the TV exploitation which has just begun (for this year and may be into the next year there is a slowdown on TV syndication worldwide). The State of Pennsylvania has also given a tax rebate to The Happening of a little over $10 million.


    “We believe co-owning the IPR and Negative Rights in perpetuity for 3 Hollywood Movies in our Balance Sheet will be a valuable asset and a source of regular annuity income, post its first exploitation cycle,” UTV said.

  • Sony Electronics in deployment agreement with Sony Pictures

     MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) has entered into an agreement with Sony Electronics‘ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services (DCSS) group for 4K DCI-compliant digital cinema deployments in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.SPRI is an international motion picture distribution arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE).

    SPE and DCSS had earlier announced plans to work together in the deployment of digital cinema projection systems in Europe and North America. This announcement will now provide exhibitors in major parts of Asia with operational and financial resources needed to implement Sony Electronics‘ DCI-compliant 4K SXRD (TM) projection technology. DCSS has already entered into agreements with four major studios — Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International – for deployments in the United States and Canada. DCSS now has agreements with two major studios for Asia – Sony Pictures Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox.


    Sony Electronics‘ 4K digital projection technology will provide exhibitors and distributors with technology that will make it possible to offer consumers a wider selection of programming choices including 3-D and alternative content. To support this digital deployment effort, SPRI will supply its upcoming releases, when booked, in digital form and provide financial contributions for a limited time to promote DCI-compliant technology.


    SPRI president Mark Zucker says, “As we move toward an all-digital future, exhibitors are going to need the product, resources and marketing support of companies like Sony Electronics and its Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group in order to offer their customers the most compelling state-of-the-art cinema experience available today”.


    The DCSS group was formed to provide turn-key solutions for exhibitors that will enable them to efficiently convert their operations to digital technology.


    Sony Electronics‘ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services Group senior VP Mike Fidler says, “The growth of digital cinema is a worldwide technological reality, so it makes sense that any agreement covers the broadest reach possible. We‘re extremely pleased to be working with SPRI on our expanded joint efforts.”


    In addition to digital projection system deployment, Sony Electronics‘ DCSS group offers installation, maintenance and support services. The group also works with exhibitors on the deployment of alternative content – including gaming, sporting events and music concerts – in order to develop more revenue-generating opportunities as the industry transitions to digital delivery.

  • Lionsgate, Relativity Media ink multi-picture, multi-year deal

     MUMBAI: Lionsgate and media and entertainment company Relativity Media have announced that they have finalised a new multi-picture, multi-year deal. Lionsgate will, thus, acquire the US distribution rights for up to five Relativity Media productions per year.

    The agreement builds upon the successful relationship established by the companies during the past two years, when they partnered on the films The Forbidden Kingdom, 3:10 To Yuma and The Bank Job.


    Lionsgate president, Motion Picture Group Joe Drake says, “Ryan Kavanaugh and his colleagues at Relativity Media have built an extraordinary company that is one of the industry‘s most prolific suppliers of broad-appeal, talent-driven motion pictures. This agreement solidifies the long-term relationship we built together through successful partnerships on 3:10 To Yuma, The Forbidden Kingdom and The Bank Job. We are thrilled to bring these new movies into the Lionsgate family, adding to the tally of first-rate productions that will define the Lionsgate release slate going forward.”


    Relativity Media CEO Ryan Kavanaugh says, “This deal represents a big step in the evolution of a partnership between two forward-thinking companies. Lionsgate is defined by its keen ability to take smart risks on compelling films. Lionsgate treats its distribution of films as an owner, thinking creatively about how to approach every film uniquely and maximize the value of each and every project. These films are in great hands thanks to this relationship.”


    The first title to be released under the new agreement is Brothers. The film is directed by Jim Sheridan My Left Foot and stars Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman. This is a drama about the rivalry and ultimate redemption of two brothers in love with the same woman.


    It will be followed by the supernatural thriller Season Of The Witch and the action/comedy The Spy Next Door, both of which are currently in post production.


    Directed by Brian Levant, The Spy Next Door stars Jackie Chan as a mild-mannered suburbanite who agrees to babysit his neighbor‘s unruly kids, only to have them accidentally blow his cover as a secret agent. Additional titles will be announced at a future date.

  • IIFA to land in China this year


    MUMBAI: After being held in countries like Britain, South Africa, Singapore, Dubai and Thailand, the 10th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will be held in Macau, China.


    The three-day long weekend to be held at the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel at Macau is scheduled between June 11-13. The IIFA weekend is expected to attract more than 500 luminaries from the Indian film industry.


    Said Sabbas Joseph, a director of IIFA, “We are proud of IIFA‘s progression over the last 10 years. It is heartening to see the Academy‘s achievements over the years and we are glad to see the event celebrating a decade of magic.”


    “IIFA is indeed going strong and is causing great benefits. Each of the previous host destinations have reported growth in tourism, film shootings in their region and growth in Indian investments,‘ he added.


    For the 10th year celebrations, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the organisers of the event, are promising a whole set of surprises at the weekend to be sponsored by Videocon.


    “2009 celebrates a decade of IIFA magic and promises to be yet another enthralling experience to be held at the Venetian Macao. It is an excellent choice for IIFA‘s celebrations and we are excited to bring its magic to this fabulous city. I am happy that our films and culture would now be seen in Macau,” said IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan.


    The nominations for the IIFA awards were also announced by Amitabh Bachchan.

  • Compact Disc floats arm for brand licensing and merchandising biz

    MUMBAI: Chandigarh-based Compact Disc India Ltd has floated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Brands Pvt. Ltd, to take care of the brand licensing and merchandising business.
    The company has already been allotted industrial land by the Government of Himachal Pradesh at Baddi, near Chandigarh.

    CDI had earlier announced it would produce an animated feature film, Soccer, with legendary Brazilian football player Pele. The movie would release just before the Fifa World Cup in 2010.


    CDI has worldwide rights for brand licensing and merchandising of Pele‘s character. The film will be build on a budget of $20.15 million, according to the company.

  • Lionsgate’s ‘Spirit’ sells one milion DVDs

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate has announced that its film The Spirit has sold more than one million DVD units in its first week. The release generated compelling numbers across all revenue formats, ranking as the number one Blu-ray release for the week and the number two movie download on the iTunes store.

    The title also achieved the highest box-office-to-DVD conversion rate for all major DVD releases this week and is likely to reach nearly $30 million in total home entertainment consumer spend or nearly 135 per cent of its box-office.


    Bangkok Dangerous, an action film starring Nicolas Cage, is projected to gross about $33 million in DVD consumer spend, Transporter 3 $53 million, and Punisher: War Zone about $25 million. All three titles have higher box- office-to-DVD conversion rates than any other first quarter 2009 releases with $5 million box-office or more. Lionsgate‘s current home entertainment year to date market share is more than eight per cent, according to Nielsen/Rentrak.


    Lionsgate GM, executive VP Ron Schwartz says, “The Spirit combined tremendous star power with the incredible popularity and visual storytelling of Frank Miller to make it a highly anticipated home entertainment release across all formats.


    “Lionsgate‘s successful box-office-to-DVD conversion rate is a direct result of our overall strategy to focus on releasing films in our sweet spot– R and edgier PG-13 rated films. We look at movies and franchises that have the potential to perform in all iterations and action movies like The Spirit, Transporter 3, Bangkok Dangerous and Punisher: War Zone embody this approach.”

  • Tagore, Anurradha Prasad among FLO awardees

    NEW DELHI: Actresss Sharmila Tagore led the band of women personalities from the entertainment world who received the annual awards in different categories of the Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO) in its silver jubilee Annual Session today. As many as 25 women received awards for the year 2008-09.

    Tagore received the award for Excellence in Creativity, along with ghazal singer Penaz Masani, Singer and choreographer, Shobha Deepak Singh. In the Entrepreneurship category, the awardees were Anurradha Parsad of BAG Films and News 24, and Assamese filmmaker Manju Borah.


    The award for Professionalism was given away to TV news journalist Maya Mirchandani while the award for Excellence in Public Service was presented to eminent danseuse and bureaucrat Shovana Narayan.



    Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, filmmaker Yash Chopra, FICCI President Harsh Pati Singhania, and FLO President Anuradha Goel presented the awards.