ITV

Category: Movies

  • Real Image’s technology to track piracy in cinema

    BANGALORE: Real Image Media Technologies (RIMT), a developer and provider of Digital Media Technology in the film, video and audio domain, has announced that all cinemas equipped with its Qube Digital Cinema System within the country were being enhanced to include the highest level of anti-piracy measures.

    Utilising security concepts and solutions designed by the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI), a body formed by the major Hollywood Studios for the D-Cinema market, Real Image has improved the capabilities of its Qube Cinema system to even serve the non-Hollywood E-Cinema market.


    Qube E-Cinema systems are already installed and functioning in over 500 screens across India. The companies which have adopted the system includes E-City, Pyramid Saimira, Cinemeta Entertainment, Shree Venkatesh Films among others.


    The security improvements are in two key areas.The first improvement is in Qube‘s E-Cinema security through incorporation of Thomson‘s NexGuard Forensic Watermarking (FWM). The advanced system incorporates the serial number of the Qube E-Cinema system into the image in a totally invisible manner.


    In the present system, secret but visible marks are being incorporated into the film prints by producers, as well as RIMT and other digital cinema players in the country. The marks have the major disadvantage of being visible and therefore easy for a pirate to identify and cover up in various ways.


    A release claims that Thomson‘s FWM technology places totally invisible marks on the image which can be identified using Thomson‘s detection system from any pirated copy that is found as a Video CD, DVD or Internet download. These marks will survive compression of the image into a Video CD, DVD and many forms of Internet download says the release.


    The second enhancement is in the concept of the Trusted Device List which allows only specific authorized devices to be used for projection. The output of all Qube E-Cinema servers is already encrypted using the HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) standard, and this serves as a basic form of protection. However, it is still possible to use a HDCP compatible monitor rather than a HDCP projector to screen the feature film and copy it in high quality by using a video camera. By utilising the concept of the Trusted Device List, the Qube server will now only output picture to a specific projector unit that is authorized. Thus, all other HDCP monitors and any future illegal HDCP decoders will not function with the upgraded Qube system, claims the release.

  • Int’l film co-productions vital for growth: Frames panel

















    MUMBAI: While funding remained one of the key concerns at the Ficci Frames session on “Scope of International Co-productions” saw eminent panelists insisting that this is the best route for all-round growth of the industry globally.


    The panelist discussed the compelling need to ink international co production deals citing the demand for global films. A formal treaty, however, looks difficult at the moment.


    India is a new entrant among the existing players like Italy, Germany and Switzerland, who have already signed co production deals with many countries.


    The first co production deal that India did was in 1985 with France, which included import and export of films produced in both countries.




    Currently India is locked in international co-production deals with UK, Italy, Germany and Brazil.


    Countries like Hungary, Spain, China, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are in the process of making it to the India list.


    Ministry of Information and broadcasting director Sangeeta Singh says, “At the moment we do not offer any direct financial incentives to the filmmakers, but we have a very vibrant industry which is full of opportunities and will help the filmmakers grow.”


    “India does not offer any subsidies to the international producer, unlike UK which offers 20 per cent subsidy. However individual states can do that,” added Singh.


    In such cases international producers informally tie up with local producers to make a film.


    American Icing Sherley is an example, as pointed out by the US-based American Pride Films Group president and director of the film Namrata Sing: “Sometimes due to the lack of funding and of political support, we go for such deals. My film will be distributed by iDreams in India.”




    “But creativity and good content rules, no matter whether the deals happen or not. A good comedy or a drama or an action film will be appreciated beyond boundaries,” maintained Namrata Singh.


    The panelists agreed that sometimes to work out a deal, the film has local actors from the countries involved in the treaty. That helps to market the film in both the countries as well internationally.


    Tandoori Love, one such film is an example of that. The film has Indian actors in it but has been co-produced by Switzerland, Germany and Austria based producers.


    Switzerland based filmmaker Oliver Paulus says: “Although we have shot some scenes in India, but we never found a producer to co-produce our film from here.”


    “Co-production deals always turn out to be beneficial if done between countries with similar political and economic conditions,” said Department of Canadian heritage director Gordon Platt.




    Platt adds that such deals are improvement tools for the existing film industry in a country.


    “It gives a chance to share your resources and creativity to create a bigger product which can be made known worldwide with right mix of marketing,” Platt adds


    Carlo Donzella, Italy‘s consultant for EU and International Affairs says: “We need to build up a regulation for incentives which can be offered to the co producers. All of us need to work out a scheme for financing flexibility.”

  • Honesty in film distribution key to successful opening weekend















    MUMBAI: With the explosion of multiplexes, Indian filmmakers are increasingly putting importance on the performance of a film in the first weekend. The days of the Silver and Golden jubilee are long gone.



    While a strong star cast and a well-armed publicity machinery play a big role, filmmakers must also be honest with audiences and to themselves when they market and distribute their films.




    This was one of the points made during a session on “Opening Weekend: How To Get The Audience In?” The speakers were Eros Multimedia COO Jyoti Deshpande, Specialtreats CEO Colin Burrows, film critic Komal Nahata, P9 CEO Naveen Shah and filmmaker Kunal Kohli.



    Nahata made several points about what film distributors should keep in mind. One of these is that they should be honest while marketing and distributing their films. Having cameos of huge stars in big flicks and keeping that under wraps works the best for a project. Examples of this would be Aishwarya Rai in Mohabbtein and Salman Khan in Kuch Kuch Hota Hain.



    He highlighted the lack of new talent in the industry. Along with that, Nahata added that a hit pair may not necessarily guarantee a sure-shot success story. For instance, Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Jodhaa Akhbar did not garner a good opening weekend.




    As far as the smaller, independent films are concerned, it is very important that they offer novelty in terms of content and presentation. In addition, hit music makes a great package.


    Deshpande stressed the scientific way of achieving the desired opening weekend. She notes that unlike the US, in India the DVD market is not big enough to help a film that has done poorly in theatres. So relying on the opening weekend helps mitigate risks. She also addressed the new trend of individual producers hopping to big distributors, and the entry of corporates changing the scenario for existing production houses.



    But is the opening weekend the be-all and end-all? Kohli answered in the negative saying that a good film can survive a slow start. He offered the examples of Munnabhai MBBS, which had absolutely no marketing gimmicks lined up, but did very well.



    He also offered examples of Chak De which did well beyond just the opening weekend. Intelligent marketing can help a film that does not have big stars. He gave the example of Hum Tum where the distributor did tie ups with MTV, Sony for the show Jassi as well as cartons in The Times of India.



    Another way of marketing a movie today, rightly pointed out by Navin Shah, CEO, P9, is merchandising. The best example of the same would be 2007‘s Om Shanti Om which tied up with Shoppers Stop. And if that doesn‘t work for the production house, myriad television channels are waiting to cash in on big stars to augment their TRPs. And in return, the forthcoming film gets huge mileage.



    However, lastly what does a small-budget project do in situation like this? The solution offered by Kohli is market it the big way and pitch it against a big-budget film. Loins of Punjab and Mithya are the perfect instances of the same.

  • Tamil Film Producers Council restricts reusing classic titles

    MUMBAI: The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) has announced fresh restrictions on re-using the titles of old classical hits for new films, reports oneindia.in

    A lot of filmmakers approach the TFPC seeking their help to register old hit films or names of yester year actors and Tamil legends. But the producers of the old classics are not satisfied with the present trend and conveyed their agony to the TFPC. The Tamil Nadu govt also shared its displeasure over the issue and urged the body to save the originality of the classics.


    After reviewing the situation, the council is now trying to curtail the trend by fixing a huge amount as fee for using the old titles to new films. This amount will be directly paid to the old producers as compensation for using or diluting the originality of the classics.


    Keeping titles of old hit films for the new films is the latest trend in the Tamil cinema industry. Dhanush‘s Thiruvilayadal, Polladhavan were old film titles, but those have worked big time for him. His next film to be directed by Sooraj, has been tentatively titled as Padikadhavan, also an old Rajinikanth film title.


    Similarly, some 30 new films with old titles like Aayirathil Oruvan, Malaikallan, Marmayogi, Nadodi Mannan, etc. are on the way to hit the screens.

  • Beyond Dreams plans more projects, signs directors

    MUMBAI: Beyond Dreams Entertainment‘s debut film Buddha, which is being directed by Shyam Benegal, is still in its initial stages and CEO Yash Patnaik has plans for more projects.

    Ex-Maya head Wilson Louis, who is already doing a Beyond Dreams project, has been roped in for another one. That apart, Praval Baruah, a part of the production house itself, will be directing the second film.


    Both revolving around the thriller genre, Baruah‘s film will go on floors first by June 2008.


    Patnaik says, “Praval has been a part of my team for nearly seven to eight years. He has also directed a few episodes of CID. As far as Wilson is concerned, he‘s a brilliant guy. Once he settles with Bunty Ka Mama, he will start work on my film.”


    Baruah‘s movie has been budgeted around Rs 65 million while Louis‘ in Rs 80 million.


    Louis is currently working on Beyond Dreams‘ folktale titled Kaalo, a story about a desert witch. The locations of Kaalo and Buddha are being finalised.

  • Shilpa Shetty’s S2 Global Productions announces next film

    MUMBAI: Shilpa Shetty‘s production house S2 Global Productions is planning a big-budget action-cum-comedy film. Apparently, she will be working with some top international technicians as part of her crew.

    Her publicist Dale Bhagwagar says, “The project will star two female protagonists, of which one will be essayed by Shilpa herself. The other actress is in the process of being signed.”


    Shetty was last seen in Life in a Metro in 2007, and was in the limelight for her win in Big Brother.


    Her forthcoming films include Sunny Deol‘s next directorial venture The Man, which is co-directed by Neeraj Pathak. Her character portrays the meteoric rise of a simple but dedicated girl to instant global stardom. Her next project would be filmmaker Uru Patel‘s international flick Hanuman, featuring her in the role of goddess Sita, with Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves being tipped to play Lord Ram.

  • Vishishta launches music of Kannada movie Accident

    BANGALORE: Vishishta Productions has launched the audio album of its first movie Accident, which is slated to release in Karnataka on 4 April this year.

    The production house has tied up with Bangalore-based Anand Audio Video to use their infrastructure for the distribution and marketing of the film‘s music.


    The music copyright of Accident currently lies with the producers of the film. Depending on the success of the movie, Anand Audio Video‘s Mohan Chhabria will take a call about acquiring the music rights.


    Ricky Kej is the music director of Accident, which stars Ramesh Arvind and Pooja Gandhi. While the film has five core songs, the album consists of nine, four of which are re-mixes.


    Airtel will be doing the outdoor promotion of the film which includes branding in all Airtel outlets, besides providing the ringtones and caller tones to its subscribers.

  • PPC signs Kukunoor to direct sports-based film

    MUMBAI: Percept Picture Company (PPC) has roped in Nagesh Kukunoor to direct a big budget film, the theme of which is based on sports.

    The starcast for the film, which aims to release in mid 2009, will be locked in by April this year.


    PPC MD Shailendra Singh said, “This film will have the same scale as Lagaan. It‘s a big budget movie that we are talking about. I can‘t reveal the details at this point, but it will be a brand new starcast.”


    Nagesh Kukunoor,who is currently writing the script for the sports-based film,is also directing two other films for PPC namely Aashayein and 8×10.


    PPC, which recently bought the worldwide distribution rights of Vishesh Films‘ Jannat, has also acquired the distribution rights for the Pakistani film Khuda Ke Liye which will be releasing in India on 4 April 2008.

  • Toby Emmerich is New Line Cinema president and COO

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Time Warner has announced that Toby Emmerich has been named New Line Cinema president and COO. He will lead its reorganisation to become a stand-alone production entity as part of Warner Bros. Entertainment.

    New Line will continue to maintain its own development, creative and production teams. In addition, New Line‘s marketing, publicity, distribution, business and legal affairs and physical production will report to Emmerich, but will closely coordinate with their Warner Bros. counterparts.


    Emmerich will report directly to Warner Bros. president and COO Alan Horn. He will also work closely with Warner Bros. Pictures Group (WBPG) president Jeff Robinov as New Line will utilise WBPG‘s existing infrastructure to reduce costs and take advantage of Warner Bros.‘ industry-leading scale.


    Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Barry Meyer says, “There isn‘t a better person than Toby to help us keep New Line vibrant, relevant and a key asset for Warner Bros. We are thrilled that he and New Line are now part of our family.”


    Horn says, “Toby has played a major part in New Line‘s success over the last decade and helped define the company‘s taste and style in movies. Quite simply, he‘s a great film executive. He‘s highly respected, and he has solid relationships across the industry. Toby and New Line are both great additions to our Studio.”


    Emmerich says, “I‘m very excited to lead the next chapter in New Line‘s history and am looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead. This change is bittersweet, as so much of the company I‘ve worked at for the past 16 years is being reconceived, but I‘m committed to maintaining New Line‘s corporate DNA as a creative, aggressive entity.


    “I plan to continue New Line‘s long and productive history as a company that can create hits in new niches–whether it‘s expanding the horror genre with films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Freddy vs. Jason, or turning an R-rated comedy like Wedding Crashers into a blockbuster. I want to thank Bob (Shaye) and Michael (Lynne) for the opportunities and support they generously provided through the years, and I‘d also like to thank Barry, Alan and Jeff for their collaboration and already making me feel welcome.”


    New Line‘s upcoming films include Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (being released on 25 April), Sex and the City (30 May ), Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D (11 July ) and Four Christmases (26 November).


    New Line is widely credited with creating the genre of the R-rated comedy, based on the success of Wedding Crashers in 2005. The company is also one of the few studios that still works in the horror genre and is widely known for the iconic Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. It was recently announced that Michael Bay will produce a re-imagining of this classic. Under Emmerich‘s leadership, New Line released Freddy vs. Jason, has begun production on Final Destination 4 in digital 3D and has reunited The Texas Chainsaw Massacre team to recreate the original Friday the 13th.


    Emmerich most recently served as president of production for New Line Cinema. He was named to that post in January 2001 and oversaw production during the most successful period in the company‘s history, which included the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Wedding Crashers, Monster-in-Law, Elf, and About Schmidt.

  • Seventymm partners Palador Pics to bring world cinema to India

    MUMBAI: Seventymm, a movie rental company, has tied up with foreign language film distributor Palador Pictures Ltd.

    Through this tie up, Seventymm plans to augment its portfolio by adding films to its library made by renowned directors like Akira Kurosawa, Francois Truffaut and Wong-Kar Wai, whose works have not had a commercial release in India.


    Seventymm COO Subhanker Sarker said, “World cinema has a niche but discerning audience and we will continue to enrich our offerings in this genre by bringing more exclusive titles for our consumers. Titles like Two English Girls and Shoot the Piano Player are truly rare in India and Seventymm is very excited to add this selection to its repertoire.”


    Some of the films available on Seventymm include – Akira Kurosawa‘s Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, The Throne of Blood and Red Beard, and Wong-Kar Wai‘s The Mood for Love, Chun King Express and the romantic flick Happy Together. In addition, the other films available are movies like Run Lola Run, Beautiful Mind and Motorcycle Diaries.


    Palador Pictures Ltd MD Gautum Shiknis, “Palador‘s effort is to make world cinemas legitimate in India. We are also in a quest to eradicate piracy as well as popularise the concept through innovative marketing tie-ups just like the one with Seventymm. Through this tie-up, we hope to achieve the goal we have started out with.”


    Seventymm currently offers over 15,000 titles covering Hindi, English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Oriya, Punjabi and Rajasthani movies.