ITV

Category: Production House

  • Banijay completes landmark deal to acquire Endemol Shine Group

    Banijay completes landmark deal to acquire Endemol Shine Group

    MUMBAI: Banijay today announced the completion of the acquisition of Endemol Shine Group, previously co-owned by The Walt Disney Company and funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management Inc. The closed deal, which has been successfully approved by the relevant regulators worldwide in consultation with relevant employee representative bodies, sees the French-headquartered group scale up significantly to approximately 200 entities across 22 countries.

    The deal makes Banijay the largest international content producer and distributor, ramping up its distribution division, Banijay Rights, and building a catalogue of over 88,000 hours of multi-genre premium entertainment brands. Cementing a collective of the world’s best creative entrepreneurs and an abundance of first-class and new and innovative IP, the business, which retains its name, will act as a go-to for clients across all territories and genres. Total pro-forma revenue of the combined group for 2019 reached approximately €2.7 billion.

    As of today, Banijay represents a number of the world’s biggest brands and global formats including Survivor, Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, Temptation Island, MasterChef, Wallander, The Kardashians, Mr Bean, The Wall, Hunted, Black Mirror, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Deal or No Deal.

    The combined group will be led by chief executive officer, Marco Bassetti, with Sophie Turner Laing stepping down from her role as chief executive officer of Endemol Shine Group. Turner Laing’s final day will be 10July.

    Bassetti comments: “The close of this unique deal represents the joining of two businesses built on entrepreneurialism, creativity and people. Aligned in thinking, and approach, we now stand together as the world’s largest international content creation and distribution group. Expanding our catalogue and investment in high-quality, multi-genre IP, extending our footprint significantly, and welcoming a number of new world-class creatives, we hope to become a go-to for clients, and home for the best talent to create the most innovative and fresh scripted and non-scripted programming. With newfound scale and increased strength in the industry, we are excited by the path ahead. I’d like to finish by thanking Sophie for her ongoing support and hard work in such a challenging year.”

    Turner Laing comments: “This deal bookmarks a creatively rich, commercially successful and relentlessly prolific five and a half years as Endemol Shine Group. It has been a real privilege and honour to lead such a talented and dynamic group of people, each of whom has played their part in, and should be proud of, our many collective successes over this time. As the start of an exciting new chapter in the company’s story, it is also the appropriate time for me to step down as CEO, and I wish Marco and his team the very best for the future.”

    The acquisition has been financed through a capital increase of Banijay Group and debt financing, and was combined with a full refinancing of the financial debt of Banijay and Endemol Shine. Deutsche Bank, Natixis and Société Générale acted as global coordinators and joint bookrunners and BNP Paribas and Bank of America as joint bookrunners on the debt financing. Post- closing, the combined group will be held by LDH (67.1 per cent) and Vivendi (32.9 per cent).

    LDH is a holding company controlled by Financière LOV (more than 52 per cent of the capital), Stéphane Courbit’s investment arm. LDH has the following other shareholders: the Italian Group De Agostini and Fimalac, the investment company of Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière. In addition to a direct investment in LDH, Fimalac has reinforced its long-term partnership with Financière LOV by increasing its stake in Financière LOV from 5.75 per cent to 8.4 per cent.

    Rothschild and PJ Solomon (a Natixis affiliate) acted as financial advisors to Banijay Group. Société Générale acted as financial advisor to Financière LOV. Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier and Kirkland & Ellis LLP advised Banijay Group in connection with the transaction. Deutsche Bank, Natixis, Société Générale, BNP Paribas and Bank of America underwrote the financial debt and were advised by Latham & Watkins AARPI.

    LionTree Advisors acted as financial advisor to Endemol Shine Group, including The Walt Disney Company and the Apollo funds, in connection with the transaction. Deutsche Bank acted as financial advisor to Endemol Shine Group in connection with the transaction. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP advised the Apollo funds and Endemol Shine Group in connection with the transaction. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP advised The Walt Disney Company in connection with the transaction. Hogan Lovells International LLP advised Endemol Shine Group in connection with the transaction.

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  • Applause Entertainment partners with Gurinder Chadha and Sunder Aaron

    Applause Entertainment partners with Gurinder Chadha and Sunder Aaron

    MUMBAI: With a strong focus on building an exciting and ambitious content slate that serves a diverse set of audiences, Applause Entertainment has rapidly emerged as one of the leading studios in India. An Aditya Birla Group venture, the content studio led by media veteran Sameer Nair has announced its first International partnership with the highly acclaimed Gurinder Chadha’s Bend It Films & TV and Sunder Aaron's Locomotive Global, to expand its global footprint.

    Under this partnership the companies are developing an original, multi-season, drama series chronicling the life of an Indian Guru. This show titled Seeker witnesses the journey of a man who starts with noble intentions, his incredible rise to global fame and following even as he evolves into a grey mystic. The simple ashram gradually turns into an empire, soon too complicated for him to handle. With a colourful cast of characters and dark, complex layers, the series is currently under development and a multi-national writers room has been set up for it. It will feature an International Indian cast and be shot at various locations within and outside of India.

     Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair said, “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Gurinder Chadha and Sunder Aaron. Gurinder’s passion for telling stories and the global expertise of Locomotive Global aligns well with our philosophy and strength for investing in and creating outstanding premium content. This is an incredible time to tell this particular story, about the faith of the human race in a higher power, and in the telling, to cater to a universal, global sensibility.”

    Award-winning filmmaker and Bend It Films & TV chairperson Gurinder Chadha said, “As an International Director and Producer, I have been inspired to witness the strong appetite that both Indian and global audiences have for original, ambitious, border-crossing drama series. I am excited about this creative collaboration with Sameer Nair and his team at Applause along with Sunder Aaron. "   

    Locomotive Global co-founder and principal Sunder Aaron said, "Applause Entertainment in a short time has already made waves in India. We are excited to be part of their mission to tell stories that also make waves around the world. We are thrilled to partner with a special talent in Gurinder Chadha and are extremely pleased to work with Bend It Films & TV and Applause Entertainment on this compelling and unique narrative project. Together, we are already working to bring together a brilliant team of writers and creators who will help us develop high quality scripts and present this fascinating story to a global audience."  

    Over the years, Gurinder Chadha has made her mark as one of the most reputed and notable content producers. She and her team are the minds behind the award winning – Bend it Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, Blinded By The Night, Viceroy’s House, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and the recently released drama series, Beecham House on Netflix India.

    Also partnering on the series is Locomotive Global Inc, a global media company led by Sunder Aaron, who has in the past worked on building channels for Sony Entertainment Television India, and has also cofounded Hindi language television network, The Q India. Aaron is a leading media professional focused on the creation and distribution of original premium content across the globe.

    Applause Entertainment is the first of its kind, Indian content and IP creation studio, creating premium content, and working with platform partners to entertain and delight their customers. It has created over 19 diverse shows across languages which are a combination of international format adaptations, book adaptations and originals.

    The studio introduced the Indian audiences to the official adaptations of popular international shows like Criminal Justice, Hostages, The Office and Your Honor, and is presently developing Indian versions of hit shows like Fauda and  Luther. Applause Entertainment has also created rich original content with shows like Rasbhari, City of Dreams, Bhaukaal and Hasmukh. All these drama series have found homes on leading global video streaming services like Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, MX Player, Netflix and others. Recently, Applause Entertainment announced its latest multi-show deal with the refreshed SonyLIV 2.0.

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  • TV producers back on sets with safety protocols

    TV producers back on sets with safety protocols

    MUMBAI: After a long hiatus of three months following the nationwide lockdown, the entertainment industry is finally back on track. After resolving the outstanding issues IFTPC (Indian Film and Television Producers Council), FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes’ Association) have agreed to work in unison.

    Among television shows, Colors’ Shakti-Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Choti Sarrdaarni, Barrister Babu and Dangal TV’s Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi have already begun shoots.

    Hats Off Productions founder and Indian Film & Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC) chairman TV wing JD Majethia is ecstatic to start work. In a special interaction with indiantelevision.com Majethia said that it was a long-fought battle that has been won. He played an active role in bringing together television producers, broadcasters and trade associations to resume shooting.

    “It was a long chase because seeking government permission, coordinating with broadcasters and other trade unions was very challenging. Finally, we have come to common terms,” he says.

    He mentions that IFTPC has agreed to provide two sets of insurance coverage i.e., death cover of Rs 25 lakh due to Covid2019 and also hospitalisation cover of Rs 2 lakh uniformly across all hierarchy of the cast and crew. After a detailed discussion with broadcasters a decision was taken to reduce the period of credit for cast and crew from existing 90 days to 30 days for at least the first three months.

    Majethia has resumed the shooting of his show Bhakarwadi in Mira Road almost after 100 days. As per the government directives Majethia had called only 40 people on the set including original cast of Bhojani, Akshay Kelkar, Akshita Mudgal, Paresh Ganatra and few technicians. However, the strength of 100 crew members has now been reduced to 40.  

    As a safety measure, separate lockers have been installed at the entrance. Before the cast and crew members enter the set, they have to remove their footwear and wear the pair of slippers provided by the production house. Majethia has a unique solution to maintain social distancing, he has provided umbrellas that everybody walks around with in the premise. He highlights that there is a designated marked position for everyone, and the actors and crew members will have to sit only in the allocated areas. There is a nurse available on the set who checks everyone’s temperature before letting them in. It is mandatory for actors to wear masks and gloves when not filming a scene. But other crew members have to sport them all day long.

    He explains, “Earlier, people would share gutkha, other nicotine products and smoke on sets. We have introduced a concept called share a sanitiser. Now, exchange of any nicotine products or chewing gum is strictly banned; they are only allowed to share sanitisers. At lunch, the unit was served packed food thus avoiding crowding.”

    As far as travelling is concerned, actors are using their private vehicles to travel and crew who are travelling from far have been asked to stay on the set. Also a separate make-up kit has been allotted to each actor. Sanitation and fumigation are done twice a day.

    Sphere Origins founder Sunjoy Waddhwa has resumed shooting for his show Singhalagna in Kolkata. As per the West Bengal government guidelines, all safety measures and protocols are strictly followed. However, he will start shooting in Mumbai only after September.

    Creative Eye Limited MD Dheeraj Kumar explains that the production house is in the planning mode and shooting will be started in the next ten days. He is currently working on a show for Dangal. Preparations involving sanitisation, other SOP measures gathering technicians has been done.

    Rashmi Sharma Telefilms founder Rashmi Sharma shared a glimpse of the shooting for her show Pyaar Ki Luka Chuppi on Instagram. She was among the first few producers to start shooting in Mumbai. The show is filmed at Naigaon.

    Shashi Sumeet Productions’ shows Barrister Babu and Shubharambh have also started shooting.

  • West Bengal TV successfully resumes shooting with strict compliance norms

    West Bengal TV successfully resumes shooting with strict compliance norms

    MUMBAI: The Bengali TV industry is one of the first to have resumed shooting and successfully started off with compliance protocols. The single most confidence-building step was to make sure that every artist and technicians participating in shoot have been provided with an insurance cover. 

    Despite reeling under the impact of Covid2019, and having witnessed one of the worst cyclones ever, a major part of Tollywood industry returned to the sets on 11 June 2020. The Bengali television industry has been working collaboratively towards the best possible solutions to make the age-old habit of television experience a fantastic one for the audience. The immense love towards the return of their favourite shows reflects the success of the shows in the very first week itself.

    SVF  co-founder and director Mahendra Soni  said, “Initially, we too like everyone, were sceptical on starting the shoot, but I must congratulate everyone and especially leaders at federation,  artist forum and broadcaster for working together and setting detailed guidelines and also assuring everyone that we will stand by everyone affected by the crisis. I think it's a great example on how to fight back in scary times like this by staying together and resuming life in ‘new normal’.”

    The state government announced earlier this month that shoots can be resumed indoors with a maximum of 35 people in TV and film shoots, respectively, following all health and safety protocols. While most of the filmmakers are waiting for further easing of restrictions, the shoots of the popular TV serials resumed from 11 June. From regularising the shoot timings to following sanitation guidelines, the producers and channels have undertaken several safety measures to run the show smoothly. The Federation of Cine Technicians & workers of Eastern India had been very supportive to extend every possible support to run the shoots adhering to safety protocols.

     Actor turned director and writer Parambrata Chatterjee said, “I think it’s been a success, the resumption of the shoot at least so far. I know many had reservations. All of us were apprehensive, to begin with but I think getting back to work was necessary for a lot of people and we realised that. A lot of deliberations were done about SOPs and other verticals. Managing the insurance for artistes and technicians wasn’t an easy task, especially for a so-called regional industry.  Films and web will start soon, fingers crossed. I would like to thank the efforts of everyone, from the administration to the respective guilds and the individual artists and technicians.”

    While it was slow to start with, as everyone was learning to operate in the new normal, artistes and technicians in two weeks have adapted to the new pace of shooting. There are specific timelines within which the shoots are wrapped up each day. Everybody on the set is cognizant of the fact that safety measures need to be followed strictly, social distancing norms are to be maintained and so on. 

    President of Cine Technicians and workers association Swarup Biswas said, “We are living in the ‘new normal’ world now, hence, we have to keep that in mind when we step out for our daily chores. It’s essential for us to ensure the safety of our artistes and technicians on resuming the shoots of TV shows. Thanks to all the producers, channels and partners for their collaborative efforts. With the new insurance scheme in place, we can build on this new normal to deliver the best of content as we always do. It’s my pleasure to reveal that our TV shows are performing well and audiences are appreciating the effort being put behind the making of them. It's been 15 days now that the TV show shoots have been going on successfully through these hard days of Covid2019 pandemic looming fiercely on our society, yet the hard struggle, determination and commitment of all manpower involved in the team-of producers, channels, artists, technicians, and FCTWEI, that we have overcome the hurdles and presented good teamwork in the face of the formidable challenge and presented to the audience some good productions. We hope this resilience and tenacity to overcome the obstacles, to face the challenge as a team is the essence of a sphinx and that we would be able to bring back that old ‘normal world’ once again and hope that those days are not far off.”

    Producer Saibal Banerjee said, “Everybody was sceptical in the beginning but as days passed by we gained confidence. We have tried to sketch a foolproof SOP and everyone is strictly adhering to it. We have a strong monitoring cell keeping vigil on day to day activity. Artists are feeling safe with the new arrangements in the make-up rooms and the safety standards maintained by the make-up artists. We are using fumigation techniques to sanitize costumes and makeup materials. New techniques are adapted for master shots to give an illusion of more artists in the set. Mannequins are used for giving a feel of proximity. In other words, we are innovating new ways and not compromising with the storyline. Technicians too are feeling safe with the adequate safety arrangements.”

    Meanwhile, exhibitors in India are hopeful that the government will soon permit the reopening of cinemas halls in the next few months. Even though movie theatres are shut and the film industry at a standstill, the producers, distributors and exhibitors have been putting guidelines in place to ensure that they are ready to start functioning, in full compliance with health and safety norms.

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  • TV shooting to resume in Mumbai from 25 June

    TV shooting to resume in Mumbai from 25 June

    KOLKATA: As the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) have amicably resolved the outstanding issues, shootings will restart in Mumbai from Thursday, 25 June. Earlier, FWICE and CINTAA raised several concerns with broadcasters and producers and a difference in opinions were setting an uncertainty despite having permission. 

    "Shootings will restart tomorrow. Whatever was possible has been done; whatever condition is feasible for the industry has been met. We all are working for that. We were focusing on insurance. We have all come up with the right conclusion. Right now, there will be indoor shootings. Tomorrow, TV shooting is starting. Other shootings in controlled atmosphere will start at the earliest. Who ever has met with the SOPs required by government can start,” IFTPC hairman TV wing JD Majethia said speaking to Indiantelevision.com. 

    IFTPC agreed to provide two sets of insurance coverage i.e., death cover of Rs 25 lakh due to Covid2019 and also hospitalisation cover of Rs 2 lakh uniformly across all hierarchy of the cast and crew. Apart from the insurance, IFTPC also assured that every precaution as per the government’s guidelines will be put in place to ensure utmost safety for the entire cast and and crew.

    A decision was taken to reduce the period of credit for cast and crew from existing 90 days to 30 days for at least the first three months; mutually negotiated pay cuts without actors facing any sanctions and continued dialogue with all parties for easing working conditions were also agreed to, without delaying the resumption of shootings.

    IFTPC acknowledged the contributions of CINTAA and FWICE who in these extraordinary situation showed exemplary understanding and maturity in the workers and the national interest. In total solidarity and bonhomie the stakeholders IFTPC, CINTAA, FWICE and broadcasters announced that the shooting will begin immediately and a new saga will unfold in every household soon.

  • SPN obtains govt permissions to resume production

    SPN obtains govt permissions to resume production

    MUMBAI: After a brief hiatus following the nationwide lockdown in India owing to the COVID-19 situation, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has obtained all relevant government permissions to resume production for its television, film and OTT businesses in India.

    The network is working closely with its production partners to ensure shoots resume in a controlled environment with strict compliance to all necessary government rules, regulations and safety protocols.

    At SPN, health, hygiene and sanitisation are taken very seriously, and the network is doing all that it can to ensure the safety of its cast, crew and production partners. Other than cast and crew members, visitors will not be allowed on the sets.

    Moreover, SPN is actively extending its support to the Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) in containing and minimizing the adverse impact of the pandemic on our industry. Firmly determined to extend full support to the fraternity in these difficult times, the network has undertaken the following specific initiatives:

    1. Effective July 2020 uptil December 2020, full payments of the cast and crew will be released within a 30-day time frame

    2. 100 per cent of the proposed insurance cost for the cast and crew will be borne by SPN during the Covid pandemic

    Producers working with SPN, have been asked to strictly comply with all guidelines issued by the government and local authorities and ensure that they are not flouted in any manner whatsoever.

  • Endemol Shine India to create series on Damyanti Biswas’ bestselling novel

    Endemol Shine India to create series on Damyanti Biswas’ bestselling novel

    MUMBAI: Endemol Shine India has optioned Damyanti Biswas’s bestselling Indian crime novel "You Beneath Your Skin" to develop as a multipart drama series, with all proceeds from this option going towards social enterprises in the author’s native New Delhi.

    Dramatic rights were acquired by Endemol Shine India from agent Ed Wilson at Johnson & Alcock Ltd, working with Sidharth Jain at Mumbai-based agency The Story Ink.

    You Beneath Your Skin was published by Simon & Schuster India in September 2019 and has since gained considerable acclaim notching up multiple Amazon #1 bestseller categories. Set in contemporary New Delhi, the multi-strand narrative concerns an Indian American single mother and her autistic teenage son, whose comfortable middle-class lives are turned upside down by a police investigation; a crime spree of slum women found stuffed in trash bags, faces and bodies disfigured by acid. Although a work of fiction, it tackles many endemic problems in India: violence against women, slum poverty, and police corruption.

    Endemol Shine India CEO Abhishek Rege said, “You Beneath your Skin is a crime thriller, layered with issues of poverty, misogyny and corruption. Taking a leaf out of the vast legacy of phenomenal women writers in the crime thriller genre – Damyanti’s book brings a sensitivity to an otherwise violent genre. The protagonist is fascinating as she is a single mother and traversing an unorthodox life through the rather orthodox setting of Delhi. Gripping, relevant and hard-hitting, this is a story populated with many characters, multiple fractured relationships, small intimate moments and effective back stories. This is a thriller with a family at the center of the plot. These are the stories that Endemol Shine India wants to bring to the fore.”

    “Thanks to Ed Wilson and Sidharth Jain, You Beneath Your Skin has been optioned by a wonderful brand like Endemol Shine India. I’m pleased that Jatin and Anjali’s journey is headed for screens, highlighting voices against poverty and acid violence," said Biswas.

    Biswas is a writer and activist, now based in Singapore. All proceeds from the book go towards her chosen causes: the educational charity Project WHY, and the Chhaanv foundation, which helps acid attack survivors. The charity sector in India has been hard hit by Covid2019, which has severely affected underprivileged communities.

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  • Gaurang Doshi launches Two web series to be shot in United Arab Emirates under the patronage of HIS EXCELLENCY SUHAIL MOHD. AL ZAROONI

    Gaurang Doshi launches Two web series to be shot in United Arab Emirates under the patronage of HIS EXCELLENCY SUHAIL MOHD. AL ZAROONI

    After a brief lull in the wake of Covid-19, the glittering world of Bollywood productions will be back in action and that too in the UAE. Renowned Bollywood producer Gaurang Doshi of blockbusters Aankhen and Deewaar fame is bringing an ensemble of over 100 crew members for the filming of their star-studded magnum opus Hindi web-series ‘7th Sense’ and “Line of Fire”. The Big budget web-series are being produced under the patronage of His Excellency Suhail Mohd. Al Zarooni, an Emirati businessman, Guinness Book World Record holder and Ambassador at Large, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    The sleek and very stylised web-series promise to be fantastic viewing with a celebrity cast, picturesque locales, gripping storylines, and the larger-than-life intriguing mysteries.

    HE Suhail Mohd. Al Zarooni commented, “Indian cinema holds a very special place in our hearts, both for the entertainment value and the art of story-telling. Its popularity is evident from the overwhelming following it enjoys at a global level.Gaurang Doshi has created the masterpieces in Indian cinema, is an iconic filmmaker and is known to tackle subjects that are unique in nature. I’m superbly excited to be associating with him and confident that both the web-series will be a huge success being a combination of a fantastic story-line, a star cast, a producer and directors who know their job well, and of course the picturesque locales of the United Arab Emirates that add beauty to any movie they’re part of. In these challenging times when industries across all countries need to support each other now more than ever, I feel proud to do my part”.

    “7th Sense” is a crime thriller/murder mystery that promises to keep viewers at the edge with its gripping plot and a well-executed screenplay. The series is being directed by Karan Darra and the story and screenplay are by Gibran Noorani. The thriller features superstars R Madhavan, Ronit Roy, Chunky Pandey, Tanuj Virwani, Aashim Gulati, Sana Saeed, Ahsaas Channa, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sajjad Dela Frooz and Manuj Sharma among other popular Bollywood actors. Shooting for Season 1 and 2 would be completed in about 140 days with most of the action happening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    The prep work for the espionage fast-paced action thriller, “Line of Fire” would also begin simultaneously. The web series will comprise of two-seasons and boasts of superstars like Prakash Raj, Jimmy Shergill, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Tanuj Virwani, Vijay Raaz, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Kabir Singh, Sana Saeed, Manu Rishi and Tanvi Azmi. The story for the web-series is written by Shayak Roy and Ankul Singh, Directed by Shayak Roy, the screenplay writers include Ankul Singh, Nikhil Mishra and Sanjay Kumar Chadwara.

    Madhu Bhandari, Amey D. Nargolkar and Munir Awan are the Associate Producers for both the web series while Parag Parekh and Ronak are the Financial Advisors.

    The beginning of the shooting for the web-series is a testament to the great strength, vision and path-breaking progress of UAE, which has shown to the world how one can conquer and come out a winner in the worst of the situations. Media partners for the web-series include the International brand Franck Muller, Consta Group and You Turn.

    Franck Muller is the official timekeeper for both the web series.

    Commenting on the two projects, producer Gaurang Doshi said: “I’m a firm believer in the motto that the show must go on and instead of losing the spirit in this pandemic situation one should become a pioneer. Keeping true to this sentiment we are the first team to begin shooting during the COVID pandemic. I’m also super excited to be in the UAE which offers such a beautiful variety of locations and a perfect backdrop for the brilliant and mind-blowing show that the series promises to be. I’d like to thank H.H. Sheikh Theyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s family and HE Suhail Mohd. Al Zarooni for their constant support, Dubai DFTC for organising permissions, and the UAE government for their help in granting special visas to the entire team and for arranging a chartered flight for us.

    “To bring such a big-ensemble under one roof in the current situation is also creditable and I thank all my actors and crew for their support. This shows the great spirit of our film industry and helps to boost it back in action,” added Doshi, the man who excels in creating off-the-beaten-track content.

    Both the web series will be completed by February 2021 and will be released on one of the popular OTT platforms, the name yet to be revealed.

  • CINTAA, FWICE seek clarity from broadcasters, producers on payment, working conditions

    CINTAA, FWICE seek clarity from broadcasters, producers on payment, working conditions

    MUMBAI: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) together have raised several concerns with broadcasters and producers but their appeals haven't been responded to, yet.

    They had submitted several grievances on working conditions, payments and duty hours to the producers association through series of joint meetings and communications but did not get any positive answers from them. There is still uncertainty looming large.

    "Though we have always assured our best support to them they have not taken our concurrence on many issues resulting in lack of clarity and confusions. Many producers are taking unilateral steps of calling our members for shoot, this has only created a feeling of unrest and misguidance amongst the members, even before resumptions of shoot," said the two bodies in a release.

    FWICE and CINTAA which has scores of members enrolled in the cadres of actors, technicians and workers need immediate changes implemented in the working system/payment terms before any resumption of shoots.

    Many producers are taking unilateral steps of calling members for shoot and this has only created a feeling of unrest and misguidance amongst the members, even before resumptions of shoot.

    Post Covid2019 the working system would change for all with probable health challenges and drop in immunity levels hence it is all the more important that all the concerns are suitably addressed, the release added.

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com CINTAA senior joint secretary Amit Behl said, “There has been radio silence from broadcasters and producers for almost one week and that is the reason we have to issue this press release. Our people are hounding us as to what we must do."

    "We were supposed to get a response from the producer's association and broadcasters as to what is the final decision they have taken in terms of insurance cover, payment, earlier defaults, SOP measures, studios and other important things. As a counterpart we issued this release,” he further added.

    According to Behl, CINTAA and the board understands that broadcasters are facing trouble in terms of advertising but there must be a clarity around budget cuts. The association is answerable to 10,000 members while the federation to five lakh people. He adds that people with bare minimum salary cannot afford to have 30 percent deduction, which is the cut that has been intimated to them.

    IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia acknowledged the release sent. "We have been in constant touch with the association. Slowly and gradually we are trying to resolve each and every issue," he said.

    He also added that the producer's association and broadcasters will have to give a response as they cannot work without cast and crew.

    The association's demand includes:

    .  Shift hours strictly to be eight hours per day

    .  Payments to daily paid actors/ technicians/ workers has to be settled by the end of the day

    .  All contractual employees have to be paid in 30 days

    .  Conveyance has to be settled end of the day

    .  Mandatory weekly holiday

    .  Adherence to stringent health and safety protocols as per directives of the government

    . Insurance: health and life insurance with Covid2019 specific coverage. We demand a Rs 50 lakh cover for actors / workers /technicians who succumb to death.

    .  No pay cuts/discounts will be agreed by actors/ workers /technicians post resuming to work.

    .  No actor/ technicians/ workers would be replaced for refusing giving discounts on their emolument

    .  Deployment of a well-equipped ambulance along with a paramedical staff (nurse) and a doctor at the location

    It says that all the above-mentioned issues have to be resolved first so that there is complete clarity to all, be it actors/ workers or technicians. "No one can risk the lives of human resources and for us at FWICE AND CINTAA certainly not," it adds.

    It adds that even after strict directives issued by the I&B ministry to all the producers to clear the outstanding dues of the actors, workers and technicians pending prior to the announcement of the lockdown by the government amidst the Covid2019 pandemic, the producers have still not cleared the outstanding dues of the members. The association demands that all the outstanding dues of  members should be cleared prior to the resumption of the shooting.

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  • Fazila Allana, Sandiip Sikcand on new shooting rules for Telugu show ‘Gorintaku’

    Fazila Allana, Sandiip Sikcand on new shooting rules for Telugu show ‘Gorintaku’

    MUMBAI: Earlier this month the Telangana government granted the permission to resume film and TV shooting as well as post-production work all over the state. While there are challenges there is also relief for being able to start work with safety measures. SOL India – Banijay Group founder and MD Fazila Allana and producer, creative director and actor Sandiip Sikcand have resumed shooting for their Telugu show Gorintaku. According to them, shooting during the pandemic is challenging but not impossible. 

    Gorintaku is a Telugu daily show that is telecast on Star Maa and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar too.

    Allana told indiantelevision.com that the show was already in process with 200 episodes done before the lockdown. The shooting resumed on 18 June with all necessary precautions like masks, gloves, temperature checks, sanitation and safety protocols being diligently followed. Insurance plan has also been introduced for entire cast and crew.

    In fact, she highlights that hair and make up artists are using PPE kits to ensure maximum safety. Make up products and brushes are different for different actors. Allana also mentions that as per the guidelines introduced by Star Maa, there are no group scenes and too many outdoor scenes are avoided to keep out crowding. Episodes of weddings or large gatherings are not happening.

    Apart from that, there are fewer people in a team. Scripting has been rewritten to facilitate a lot more social distancing. There are no intimate scenes as well so close up chemistry shots are being compromised.

    Sikcand also mentiones that children and elderly citizens are not allowed on the set. If required, elderly people are not asked to come more than four times a month.

    As per Telegana government’s rule  40 people can be there on the set. However, Sikcand shares that shooting is happening with bare minimum people while the rest stay outside the set.

    To make the daily soap more realistic and appealing in the eyes of audience, Covid2019 situation has been included in the script itself. In order to create a bank of fresh episodes, the entire script has been rewritten.

    During the scene, the actors are wearing masks, gloves and are also using sanitizers.

    He notes that it is taking more time than usual to film a scene. “For the safety and security of cast and crew, I don’t mind slowing down the production. As far as audiences are concerned, they want to see something which is real and natural,” he further says.

    Both Allana and Sikcand are hoping that shooting happens smoothly and soon things go back to normal and for now, things need to be done with precautions.