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Category: I&B Ministry

  • Parliamentary Standing Committee to look into TRP gaming scandal: PTI

    Parliamentary Standing Committee to look into TRP gaming scandal: PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will be taking up the issue of alleged manipulation of TV Rating Points (TRP) by some channels, PTI reported citing some sources.

    The committee has asked representatives of the News Broadcasters Association, Press Council of India and Prasar Bharati to depose on the subject of 'ethical standards in media coverage'.

    This comes on the back of Congress MP and member of the panel Karti Chidambaram’s request to take-up the matter and call the officials of the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) before the committee to seek clarification and remedial measures.

    He had said that the government's advertising expenditure depends on this system, and public spending should not be based on flawed data. “Flawed or manipulated TRP cannot be the basis of ad spend. TV companies also base their valuations on TRP. Those valuations are questionable now,” Karti further said.

    The Congress leader’s demand that the parliamentary panel takes up the issue came a day after the Mumbai Police claimed to have busted a TRP manipulation racket and arrested four people.

    "The recent issues surrounding TRPs of television channels have cast doubts on the legitimacy and reliability of the system. TRPs produce essential data on television audiences in India and have become the primary basis for advertising decisions," Karti said in a letter to panel chairman Tharoor.

    "There is a need for further understanding this situation. In light of this, it is important that the standing committee take up this issue. Therefore, I request you to call before the Committee concerned officials of the responsible ministry, MIB to seek necessary clarification on the current situation and remedial measures," he said.

  • MIB advises private TV channels to abide by programme code

    MIB advises private TV channels to abide by programme code

    KOLKATA: A new trend in reportage of recent incidents has put media into the spotlight for violating basic ethics. Amid the strong criticism that the industry is facing, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory asking all the channels to abide by the programme and advertising codes.

    Read more news on MIB

    The ministry has emphasised on the provisions that restrict programmes containing anything obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half truths; criticizes, maligns or slander any individuals in person or certain groups, segments of social, public and moral life of the country.

    It has also mentioned a recent case in the Delhi High Court which issued a notice following a petition by the actor Rakul Preet Singh. The court also stated that it hoped that media houses and TV channels would show restraint and abide by the program code and other guidelines while making any report in connection with the actor.

    At that time, the high court also directed Prasar Bharati and News Broadcasters Association, apart from the centre, to consider Singh's petition, " as a representation and decide it expeditiously, including any interim direction that ought to be made.”

  • MIB issues SOPs for cinema halls

    MIB issues SOPs for cinema halls

    NEW DELHI: After keeping industry stakeholders on tenterhooks for months, the ministry of information & broadcasting last week announced the opening of theatres across India from 15 October. As part of the government’s Unlock 5.0 plan, cinema halls will operate at 50 per cent seating capacity. Stakeholders welcomed the decision and look forward to reviving the business in the face of persistent challenges.

    Today, the ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) shared SoPs for the exhibition industry to prevent the spread of Covid2019. The ministry has clearly stated that movies will not be showcased at theatres in containment zones; film exhibition activities through cinemas/theatres/multiplexes shall be governed in accordance with pre-existing guidelines issued by the MHA and health ministry. In addition, states and UTs can propose extra measures as per their field assessment. 

     

     

    SOPs related to Exhibition of films 

    General Guidelines 

    The generic measures include public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid2019. These measures need to be observed by everyone (workers and visitors) at all times. 

    These include: 

    ·       Adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times. 

    ·       Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times.

    ·       Availability of hand sanitizers, preferably in the touch-free mode, at entry and exit points as well as common areas within the premises.

    ·       Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly. 

    ·       Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline. 

    ·       Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. 

    ·       Installation and use of Aarogya Setu app shall be advised to all.

    Entry and Exit Points 

    ·       Thermal screening of visitors/staff is to be carried out at entry points. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed to enter the premises.

    ·       Provisions for hand sanitization should be made available at all entry points and in work areas. 

    ·       Designated queue markers shall be made available for entry and exit of the audience from the auditorium and the premises. 

    ·       Exit should be done in a staggered row-wise manner to avoid crowding. 

    ·       Sufficient time interval between successive screenings on a single screen as well as on various screens in a multiplex shall be provided to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience. 

    Seating Arrangements 

    ·       The occupancy of the cinemas/theatres/multiplexes shall not be more than 50 per cent of their total seating capacity. 

    ·       Seating arrangement inside the auditorium of the cinemas/theatres/multiplexes to be made in such a way that adequate physical distancing is maintained.

    ·       Seats that are “Not to be occupied” shall be marked as such during booking (for both online booking and at the box office sale of tickets). 

    (Note: The “Not to be occupied” seats inside cinemas/theatres/multiplexes should either be taped or marked with fluorescent markers to prevent people from occupying these seats so as to ensure adequate physical distancing at all times.) 

    Physical Distancing Norms 

    ·       Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises—duly following physical distancing norms shall be ensured.

    ·       Number of people in the elevators shall be restricted, duly maintaining physical distancing norms. 

    ·       Efforts shall be made to avoid overcrowding in the common areas, lobbies and washrooms during the intermission. Audience may be encouraged to avoid movement during the intermission. Longer intermissions may be used to allow audience seated in different rows of the auditorium to move in a staggered manner.

    Staggered Show Timings at Multiplexes 

    ·       Staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding. 

    ·       The show commencement time, intermission period and finish time of a  show at any screen shall not overlap with the commencement time,  intermission period or finish time of a show at any other screen in a  multiplex. 

    Booking and Payments 

    ·       Digital no-contact transactions should be the most preferred mode for  issue/verification/payments for tickets, food, and beverages, etc. by using online bookings, use of e-wallets, QR code scanners, etc. 

    ·       Contact number shall be taken at the time of booking of tickets to facilitate contact tracing. 

    ·       The purchase of tickets at the box office shall be open throughout the day and advance booking shall be allowed to avoid crowding at the sale counters. 

    ·       Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened with  adequate physical distancing norms, to prevent crowding during physical booking of tickets. 

    ·       Floor markers shall be used for physical distancing during queue management at the box office. 

    Sanitization of the Premises 

    ·       Frequent sanitization of the entire premises, common facilities, and all  points which come into human contact, e.g. handles, railings, etc. shall be ensured.  

    ·       The cinemas/theatres/multiplexes auditorium shall be sanitized after every screening.  

    ·       Regular cleaning and disinfection of the box office, food and beverage  areas, employee and staff lockers, toilets, public areas, and back-office areas shall be ensured. 

    ·       Measures for the safety of sanitization staff such as adequate provisions for rational use of gloves, boots, masks, PPE, etc. shall be undertaken. 

    ·       Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if any person is found positive. 

    Staff Related Measures 

    ·       Wearing of face cover for staff is mandatory at all workplaces and  adequate stock of such face covers should be made available.

    ·       All employees who are at higher risk, i.e., older employees, pregnant employees, employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public. 

    ·       With a view to ensure safety at the workplace, employers on best-effort  basis should ensure that Aarogya Setu app is installed and updated by all employees their mobile phones. 

    ·       Communication and training of the staff on precautions related to COVID-19, respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, etc. shall be carried out. 

    ·       Self-monitoring of health by all employees/staff and reporting any illness at the earliest shall be ensured.  

    Public Awareness 

    ·       Do’s and don’ts shall be communicated at prominent access points: Online sale points, digital tickets, public areas like lobbies, washrooms, etc. 

    ·       Public Service Announcements on wearing mask, observing physical  distancing and maintaining hand hygiene as well as specific announcements on the precautions and measures to be followed within and outside the premises shall be made before the screening, during intermission and at the end of the screening.  

    ·       Provisions must be made for display of Posters/standees/AV media on  preventive measures about COVID-19 prominently outside and inside of the venues. 

    Air-Conditioning/Cooling 

    For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which, inter alia, emphasizes the following: 

    ·       Temperature Setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30°C. 

    ·       Relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70 per cent. 

    ·       Re-circulation of air to be avoided to the extent possible. 

    ·       In-take of fresh air should be as much as possible. 

    ·       Cross ventilation should be adequate. 

    Anti-stigma Behaviour  

    COVID-19 related stigmatization or unruly behaviour shall be dealt with strictly by coordination between the auditorium manager(s) and the local authorities.

    Food and Beverage Area 

    ·       Show timings in the cinema halls to be staggered to ensure that intervals of different shows do not occur simultaneously. 

    ·       Customers shall be encouraged to use cinema apps/QR codes, etc. for ordering food as much as possible. 

    ·       Multiple sale counters in food and beverage area be made available wherever possible. 

    ·       One line systems to be followed using floor stickers to maintain physical distancing at every sale counter. 

    ·       Only packaged food and beverages shall be allowed. 

    ·       Delivery of food and beverage inside the hall/auditorium shall be prohibited. 

    ·       Management shall ensure observance of physical distancing and preventing crowds in the food and beverages area. 

    ·       Safe disposal of the food and beverage waste shall be ensured by the management of the premises. 

    The national directives for Covid2019 management and the relevant guidelines issued by the ministry of information & broadcasting, ministry of Health & Family Welfare, state governments, etc. shall be strictly complied with during all activities and operations. 

  • MIB expresses dissatisfaction with IAMAI’s self-regulatory model for OTT platforms

    MIB expresses dissatisfaction with IAMAI’s self-regulatory model for OTT platforms

    KOLKATA: While all the major OTT players have agreed to come under the ambit of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)’s self-regulation guidelines recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the model.

    Earlier this month, IAMAI unveiled the ‘Universal Self-Regulation Code’ for Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs) in India. The first set of signatories included Zee5, Viacom 18, Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, MX Player, Jio Cinema, Eros Now, Alt Balaji, Arre, HoiChoi, Hungama, Shemaroo, Discovery Plus, Flickstree. Later, Lionsgate play and SonyLIV also came on board. 

    According to media reports, IAMAI has been informed of the disapproval of MIB in a letter from the ministry. MIB has asked the organisation to look at other self-regulatory models. Previously, IAMAI had written to the ministry for its guidance and support in implementing the self-regulatory code. 

    “The proposed self-regulatory mechanism lacks independent third-party monitoring, does not have a well-defined Code of Ethics, does not clearly enunciate prohibited content, and at the second and third-tier level there is an issue of conflict of interest,” the ministry stated in the letter.

    MIB has also observed that the model does not classify prohibited content.  Moreover, the second tier advisory panel is constituted by OCCP itself rather than having an independent oraginsation.    

    IAMAI has also been advised to look at the structures of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) and News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) as guiding principles.

  • 93% TV households do not watch news channels; media degenerated into becoming pet performing poodle of govt” former I&B minister, Manish Tewari to Kailashnath Adhikari, MD,Governance Now

    93% TV households do not watch news channels; media degenerated into becoming pet performing poodle of govt” former I&B minister, Manish Tewari to Kailashnath Adhikari, MD,Governance Now

    “93% TV households do not watch news channels; media degenerated into becoming pet performing  poodle of govt” former I&B minister, Manish Tewari to Kailashnath Adhikari, MD, Governance Now.

    Former Information and Broadcasting Minister and MP, Lok Sabha, Manish Tewari has said that  with only 7percent of 950 million people in India with TV sets at home watching news  and current affairs channels and with 391 news and current affairs channels digging around  in that 7%  space to earn money, it  has become a dog eat dog market.

    While speaking to Kailashnath Adhikari, MD, Governance Now at the webinar during the Visionary Talk series, organized by the public policy and analysis platform, Tewari while giving out numbers said that there are  950 million people with television set at home in India. 93% do not watch news channels. Only 7% watch news and current affairs channels and the 391 existing news and current affairs channels are  digging around  in that 7% space trying to earn money. “It has become a dog eat dog market.”

    Tewari also said that that media needs to relook its  revenue models and cannot have  model which is totally advertisement driven.

    While responding to a question if the revenue model could be regulated with a policy, Tewari recalled that when he was the I&B minister he cleaned out the TRP paradigm with a policy framework on how companies which generate TRP’s  need to be regulated when a leading newspaper at that time decided to get out of business.

    “If you want to correct your revenue model and charge subscribers a higher rate for the newspaper they buy or a TV channel they want to see, you will be able to then offer them better content. You have to start pricing your products properly and get people into the habit for paying..  But since you remain advertising dependent it is measured by fake currency called TRP’’ said Tewari.

    The former MP added that like print and electronic media, social media is equally worst and said the  biggest difficulty today is that what used to plague the print media and electronic media now plagues the social media which is also completely advertisement driven model. He said that the advertisement driven model does not allow you to curate quality content and be independent as bulk of small and medium people in the business depend on handouts which are given by the BOC (bureau of  outreach and communication). “There is a fundamental problem they are not willing to look at” he said.

    Coming down heavily on media Tewari said that media is not philanthropic. “Over a period of time media has degenerated into becoming the pet performing poodle of the government. Freedom of press in India is a myth. It is a chimera. Huge corporate interest dictates the direction and trajectory of media depending upon what their business interest currently are. Except  for print media, unfortunately I can’t  say that for substantive section of electronic media”

    Speaking on  paid news the former minister said that when he was trying to amend the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and specifically tried to insert the section on  paid news and penal provisions, ‘‘the push back from biggies in the media industry was so enormous that the bill has not seen the light of day till date.”

    “The news and current affairs media is about educating people, presenting facts in perspective and bringing seriousness to public discourse. That’s the responsibility you need to discharge rather than looking at bottom lines and spin off cheap entertainment as news which does not require news licence” said Tewari in a scathing attack on the news. 

  • MIB issues advisory to curb surrogate advertising

    MIB issues advisory to curb surrogate advertising

    NEW DELHI: Surrogate Advertising has been a very old debate in the India’s advertising industry. An alcohol brand can advertise in the garb of music CD or a gutka brand can talk about the great taste of saffron and circumvent the advertising code. The rule thus aims at prohibiting surrogate advertisements while at the same time allowing advertisements of genuine brand extensions subject to specified conditions. 

    Rule 7(2)(vih)(A) of the Advertising Code enshrined under Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 prohibits direct or indirect advertisements of cigarettes, tobacco products, wine, alcohol, liquor or other intoxicants. However, advertisements of genuine products sharing a brand name or logo of such products are permissible subject to specified conditions prescribed therein.

    Time and again, industry people and government institutions have debated the matter on various industry platforms but not much output has come. Several activists and common citizens have also complained about surrogate ads from various categories running on national television but not much could have been done about it.

    Over the years, brands have circumvented the rule to create a massive reach of their products via their brand extensions.

    The latest advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcast states that such ads have to be first previewed by Central Board of Film Certification before telecast and deemed to be fit for consumption.

    “Second proviso of Rule 7(2)(vhi)(A) provides that such advertisement has to be previewed and certified by Central Board of Film Certification as suitable for unrestricted public exhibition and are in accordance with stipulated conditions,” stated the advisory.

    The focus of this advisory was mostly on brands related to the cigarettes, tobacco products, wine, alcohol, liquor or other intoxicants. The advisory clearly stated that “It is accordingly advised that all advertisements of the nature referred to at para 2 above strictly follow the stipulations contained in the Rules and are previewed and certified by Central Board of Film certification (CBFC) before being telecast on Television.”

    The decision is expected to create a strong impact on the brands for this industry because many of these players have emerged as the top advertisers of the country. 

  • Subhash Kamath elected as ASCI chairman

    Subhash Kamath elected as ASCI chairman

    NEW DELHI: BBH & Publicis Worldwide India Chief Executive Officer Subhash Kamath has been elected chairman of the board of governors of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The vote was held at the board meeting that followed the thirty-fourth annual general meeting this afternoon. Kamath is an industry veteran, having spent more than 32 years building brands across various sectors. 

    Ketchum Sampark P. Ltd MD NS Rajan, was elected the vice-chairman, and IPG Mediabrands India P. Ltd CEO  Shashidhar Sinha was reappointed as an honorary treasurer at the same meeting. 

    The Board of Governors includes Abanti Sankaranarayanan, co-chairman & Board Member, ISWAI;  D Shivakumar group executive president, Aditya Birla Management Corporation P. Ltd; Girish Agarwal, director, Dainik Bhaskar Group; Harish Bhat, Director, Tata Consumer Products Ltd; KV Sridhar, chief creative officer (Global), Nihilent Ltd; Madhusudan Gopalan, CEO, Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Hbealth Care Ltd; Rohit Gupta, president – network sales & international business, Sony Pictures Networks India P. Ltd; Prof SK Palekar, Centre For Developmental Education, IFIM Business School; Priya Nair, executive director Beauty, and  Personal Care, Hindustan Unilever Ltd; Prasun Basu, president – south Asia, Nielsen (India) P. Ltd; Sivakumar Sundaram, president revenue, Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd; Umesh Shrikhande, CEO, Taproot India Comm. P. Ltd. 

    Incoming chairman, Subhash Kamath said: “It’s a genuine privilege to accept this role as chairman of ASCI. Having served ten years on the board, I have had the honour of working and learning from very senior and experienced leaders of the industry. More importantly, I have learned the immense value of self-regulation and the far-reaching impact of the work ASCI has done over the years. Our industry today is at a crucial stage. With the digital revolution influencing brand messaging and engagement with consumers, advertising is evolving rapidly. And with the recent formation of the Central Consumer Protection Authority constituted by the government, self-regulation will be even more crucial in promoting consumer confidence and trust. As I have always said, with great creative power, comes great responsibility. So I look forward to working closely with the ASCI team to continue the good work set up by my predecessors and to introduce some newer, more future-facing initiatives as well.”

    Recalling his year-long tenure at ASCI, outgoing chairman Rohit Gupta, said: “I thank all my colleagues, ASCI members and everyone who was part of this incredible journey. I am glad I was given an opportunity to drive the body that spearheaded important changes in the advertising industry. This year has been the most eventful for ASCI as we tackled several challenges. The pandemic saw many misleading ads, which were dealt with immediately. The Ministry of AYUSH reached out for help in flagging misleading advertisements regarding prevention and treatment of COVID-19.  We also signed up with TAM to monitor 3,000 digital portals for misleading claims. We successfully met the three objectives we had set: increasing our consumer base, monitoring the digital space, and working closely with government bodies. I wish Kamath and the board the very best.” 

    Over the past year, ASCI’s independent Consumer Complaints Council met 45 times and deliberated on complaints pertaining to 3,773 advertisements.

    ●      Complaints were upheld against 2,126 advertisements (versus 1,486 in 2018-19) while those against 298 were not Upheld as the advertisements in question were not considered to be in contravention of ASCI’s codes

    ●      192 advertisements were found to be prima facie in violation of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (DMR) Act or The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (Schedule J). These were promptly escalated to the Ministry of AYUSH or the Ministry of Health for their immediate attention

    ●      In several cases, state AYUSH officials, the FDA or the Central Council for Indian Medicine issued show-cause notices to the advertisers.

    It concluded with a touching tribute to Brahm Vasudeva, the non-executive chairman of Hawkins Cookers and the first chairman of ASCI, who passed away in July. His commitment to self-regulation in advertising and to the ASCI cause was recalled fondly.

  • Co-production Treaty to take India-Italy cooperation to a new level: Minister, MIB

    Co-production Treaty to take India-Italy cooperation to a new level: Minister, MIB

    Mr Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, on Monday said that the Venice Film festival has stood as a symbol of recognition of cinematic excellence at an international platform. “Participation of India in Venice Film Festival 2020 as a focus country has brought India and Italy closer by opening immense possibilities of co-production in film making and further bolstering the historical ties the two cultural superpowers have enjoyed for centuries,” he said. 

    In his address at the Venice Film Festival 2020, where India is the focus country this year, Mr Javadekar said, “It is with great pleasure, I announce that India and Italy have agreed on the Rules of Procedure for Co-production Treaty and it is hoped that it will take our joint collaboration to a new level.”  

    The Minister stressed that “Cinema not only showcases cultural mores but also brings countries closer.” Mr Javadekar said that cinema is a soft power that helps to forge international ties. Inviting Italian filmmakers for filming in India, he said, “Filming in India is an experience by itself and I invite everybody to come and shoot and to do pre-production as we have experienced crew members and facilities and very scenic spots. This year we are participating in the Venice Film market to showcase what India has to offer.” 

    This year two Indian feature films and one short film are being screened at the Venice Film Festival. India is also screening a film as market screening in Venice Production Bridge named ‘In the land of Poisoned Woman’ by Manu Bohra.   

    Speaking at the event, Mr Manlio Di Stefano, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italian Government, said, “The relationship of India and Italy in film production is in line with the great work the two countries are doing to strengthen the bilateral collaboration, which is very advantageous for Italy given that India is a cultural giant, which is a great resource for other countries that can go beyond commercial exchanges.” 

    Acknowledging the growing Indian film market with one of the largest cinema industries in the world, Mr Di Stefano said, “India will be one of the most important global powers in 10 years from now despite the difficulties posed by COVID.” He added that India and Italy share a strong bilateral relationship marked by several meetings that have “widened our collaboration in many fields”, including culture and cinema. 

    “We have two major pillars on which we would like to develop our collaboration- Co-productions and shooting locations” to develop products for both Indian and Italian people as “it is not easy to define identity in cinema,” Mr Di Stefano said. He also added that “we should aim at productions that can tell about a territory through a story and not through documentaries that how good we are here in Italy”. 

    Italy, Mr Di Stefano said, has “included India among our target countries both for productions and to attract tourists. So, India is at the centre of our campaign one of which is ‘Living in Italian Style’”.  He also added that Italy has an integrated package for coproduction, and funds (more than 60 million Euros) are made available by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to its embassies across the world in order to promote sectors like cinema.  

    Addressing the film festival via video conferencing, H.E. Vincenzo De Luca, the Ambassador of Italy to India said Italy participated at FIICI Frames 2020 as a virtual partner and “we presented the possibilities of co-productions in Italy and India”. He added that “today we can take a further step forward by creating a partnership that is not limited to isolated events, but which creates a permanent collaboration between Italian and Indian cinema”. 

    Citing historical relationships when noted filmmaker Satyajit Ray won a Golden Lion award in 1957 and the movie ‘Monsoon Wedding’ in 2001, he said that we should let the new Indian cinema be known in Italy. “Starting with FICCI Frames in June this year, we have to build a common partnership, a long-lasting partnership to exchange productions,” the Ambassador added.  

    Ms TCA Kalyani, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India & MD, NFDC, said, "The rules of procedures that we were to announce at FICCI Frames have finally been made," which will give incentives to filmmakers choosing to shoot in India, she said. She also added that India will soon be announcing the rules of procedures for champion sectors and "we have also announced the SOPs and guidelines for filming in India". 

    Ms Kalyani also said that Media and Entertainment is a sunrise sector in India. She invited the overseas filmmakers to come and shoot in India "once the aviation restrictions are lifted".

    Mr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI, said, "Italy participated in the 21st edition of the FICCI Frames this year as a partner country and I was truly amazed by their content and production capabilities, which I am sure enabled many Indian filmmakers and people in India to realize and see at first hand the opportunity that Italy presents and the possibilities of collaboration between India and Italy.”

    He further added that FICCI is delighted to partner with ANICA and the Embassy of Italy in India to organize a session focusing on India at Venice Film Festival. "This is the first time that such a platform has been set at the prestigious Venice Film Festival to discuss and promote relations between India and Italy in the area of filmmaking which needs to be continued in the future. This platform has provided an opportunity for India to connect with a global audience and reach out for further film production partnerships." 

    A session on ‘Challenges and Opportunities between India and Italy in Fi­lm Making was moderated by Mr Bobby Bedy, Filmmaker and Managing Director, Kaleidoscope Entertainment. The participants in this session included Ms TCA Kalyani, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India & MD, NFDC (TBC); Mr Ritesh Batra, Indian Filmmaker; Mr Goutam Ghose, Indian Filmmaker; Sergio Scapagnini, Italian Filmmaker; and Mr Ashish Pherwani, Partner, Media & Entertainment, EY. 

    The panel discussed various emerging trends in the Indian Media and Entertainment sector and the opportunities and challenges for cinema in the post-COVID-19 world, including SOPs that have been put in place to start film productions after a gap of several months.   

  • Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    MUMBAI: Yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at the resumption of production for film, television, and OTT originals. The announcement came in as a sigh of relief for many in the industry. The SOPs are in line with the protocols followed across the globe, which also specifies safe distances on shooting locations, in edit rooms, studios, and others. It includes rules on sanitization, fumigation, face masks, and availability of PPE kits. The SOPs also mention the need for an appointment of an on-set Covid2019 coordinator. Javadekar said, “Today we are laying out standard operating procedures as per the international experience and with the consultation of the health ministry and the home ministry.”

    He further explained that contact minimisation is at the core of the SOPs. It will be ensured by minimal physical contact and sharing of props and PPEs for hairstylists and make-up artists, among others. Javadekar also highlighted that the characters in front of the camera would be exempted from wearing masks. Making this announcement on Doordarshan Javadekar said that formulating SOP measures as part of the overall decision to revive economic activities. He added, “For the last six months, this industry had come to a standstill, and many people had lost their jobs. We hope all States will adopt these SOPs.”

    For a detailed list of the SOPs, click here. In a special interaction with indiantelevision.com film producer, Ramesh Taurani said, “I think it is a very good step from the government. Shoots have already started, but now they can be done in other locations as well, as the new SOPs will benefit everyone. These are practical and manageable SOPs, and the film industry is very happy. Now things will happen at a macro level. As the film shooting has started workers, actors, technicians can start work with full protection. It is a good step towards restarting the economy, as more people will get employment. The announcement came from the central government, and now it is up to the respective state government to take it forward.” Apart from laying down the social distancing norms, the ministry has also asked the production houses to ensure extensive planning. It also states that physical distancing of at least six feet is to be followed as far as feasible at all locations at all times, while sitting, standing in queues, etc. FICCI official spokesperson said, "It is a welcome move and the industry has been looking forward to this. It will help open the industry in a phased manner with all the necessary precautions . We are looking forward to working with the government to ensure we get back to business with all the norms that have been put in place. This move from central government is the umbrella document for state governments to adopt so that there is basic uniformity across the country . This is one plan laid out by the central government for the state government to follow and they can add some important details as per the specific requirement." Aspects such as scenes, sequences, set-ups, camera locations, positions of various crew members, seating arrangements, food and catering arrangements, staggered meal timings, etc. shall be planned while giving due consideration to physical distancing norms. According to the guidelines, measures shall be taken by the production team to involve a minimum number of cast and crew members during the shoot. IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia shares, “It is a very welcome move. We all have been waiting for this for a very long time. It is a relief that the centre has eased out the restrictions. As shooting is now allowed across India, it would be easier for film, television, and OTT shows to shoot in different locations and studios, which was difficult to do earlier. Many people will get their employment back, hopefully in Maharashtra. If trains are allowed from next month onwards, a lot of people will get their jobs back.” He further added that the guidelines laid down by the I&B ministry are more detailed, and they have included a lot of aspects. “The measures are clear in nature. Everyone will know what to do in these circumstances. However, the state government can add or modify policies as per their requirement. States with less number of cases can ease out restrictions, whereas things will be stricter in areas where there are a higher number of cases,” adds Majethia. The Ministry has also advised that no visitors or audiences are to be allowed. In the case of outdoor shootings, necessary coordination has to be done with local police and administration to minimize spectators.

    It is a moment of joy for film and OTT platforms as the Covid2019 halted the shoots at other locations, especially with large crews. "It's great news for the TV and film industry. What's more interesting is that the SOPs suggest some points for the opening of the exhibition. We are now looking forward to the opening of cinemas and getting the whole movie industry back on track," says SVF Entertainment co-founder director Mahendra Soni. Juggernaut Productions chief operating officer OTT-business Samar Khan mentions that the issuance of these SOPSs is a step in the right direction. He adds, “All of us have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of shoots but are also aware that crew safety is of utmost importance, following these guidelines will ensure that we can maintain the highest standards of safety while gradually resuming work.”

    The ministry has also advised the industry to discontinue usage of lapel mics or at least to ensure that these are not shared. It also highlights that costumes, hair wigs, and makeup items for actors should not be shared. The SOPs states that artists should be encouraged to do their hairstyling and make-up remotely with the help of professionals. Panorama Studios run by  Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak is  a subsidiary of Panorama Studios International. Abhishek Pathak has also directed movies like Ujda Chama and Boond. He thanked the I&B ministry for focussing  on contact minimisation. "We welcome these guidelines. Yes, shooting will be a huge challenge in the Covid2019 era, but I think with vigilance and precautions, we can make a comeback steadily. This decision brings huge relief for industry dwellers whose livelihood depends on the creation of movies, series, and other content." Planet Marathi founder and filmmaker Akshay Bardapurkar who also produced AB Aani CD said that it is great news from the I&B minister himself. “However now with the opening of the shoots it would be great also to see theatres also opening up. He mentions that more than 100 films are stalled, and producers are suffering. I hope that the central government issues SOPs for theatres soon and opens them too,” adds Bardapurkar.

  • I&B ministry grants registration to 15 new MSOs in July

    I&B ministry grants registration to 15 new MSOs in July

    NEW DELHI: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has granted registration to 15 new multi-system operators (MSOs) in the month of July. As per data released by the MIB, the total number of registered MSOs now stands at 1679 as on 3 August 2020.

    MIB issued six MSOs in the month of March, two in April, six in May and four in registrations in June (till 24 June). A total of 48 MSOs have been granted registration in 2020 until now. There are two provisionally registered MSOs now.

    All the granted registrations are valid for a period of 10 years. The name of the companies that were added in the registration list in the two month includes Bharta Cable Network,  Maa Jagdamba Network,  Shiva Cable Communications,  Moka Malleshara Cable Network, New Skynet Digital Services, Vijaynagara Cable Network,  MS Digital Cable Network,  Induandmahadev Broadband, World Phone Infrastructure Services, Shri Vitthal Rukmini Cable Net Service, 4k Digital Communications Pvt Ltd.; Balaji Cable Network, Multicast Communication and Distribution Limited, Rohin Connect and Yupptv Digital India Pvt Ltd.

    The ministry has cancelled three MSO applications in July 2020.