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Tag: film production

  • Balaji Telefilms merger proposal for ALT Digital and Marinating Films with itself gets NCLT sanction

    Balaji Telefilms merger proposal for ALT Digital and Marinating Films with itself gets NCLT sanction

    MUMBAI:  Balaji Telefilms has received the green light from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, for its Composite Scheme of Arrangement that merges its wholly owned subsidiaries — Alt Digital Media Entertainment and Marinating Films — into the parent company. The appointed date for the merger has been set as 1 April 2024.

    The scheme, sanctioned under sections 230–232 of the Companies Act, aims to simplify the group structure, slash redundancies, and boost operating efficiency across its content empire — from streaming platform ALTT to reality show production and IP development.

    According to the tribunal’s order, the merged entity will benefit from economies of scale, unified cash flow management, and enhanced resource optimisation — all under the Balaji banner, which is already listed on NSE and BSE. No shares will be issued, given the transferor companies are fully owned by the transferee.
    The consolidation brings together:

    * Alt Digital, home to subscription-based OTT content under the ALTT brand;
    * Marinating Films, known for unscripted and event IP;
    * and Balaji Telefilms, India’s leading producer of Hindi and regional TV content.

    The merger was approved by shareholders at an April 2025 meeting and has cleared all statutory hurdles, including SEBI, BSE, NSE and tax authorities. The company has also settled creditor objections and responded to pending GST disputes, with all liabilities transferring to Balaji Telefilms post-merger.

    In short, Balaji is scripting a cleaner, leaner, and meaner future — bringing its IP under one tent to better play the platform and profit game. The final step? Filing the certified order with the Registrar of Companies, which will trigger the scheme’s effective date.

    More drama, less duplication — just the way Ekta Kapoor likes it.

  • Chrome Pictures has continued to push boundaries of storytelling through its film production

    Chrome Pictures has continued to push boundaries of storytelling through its film production

    Mumbai: As the year draws to a close, Chrome Pictures production house with cutting-edge advertisements and films, takes a moment to reflect on a year supposed to have creativity, innovation and success.

    In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, Chrome Pictures has continued to push boundaries of storytelling through its approach to film production. With a commitment to quality, originality and diverse narratives, the production house positioned itself as a trailblazer in the world of cinema. Led by a dynamic team of founders and directors, Amit Sharma, Aleya Sen, Hemant Bhandari, and a talented in-house roster, Chrome Pictures has nurtured filmmakers who have grown to become influential figures in the ad industry.

    After making a mark of its feature film debut, the national award-winning & ‘Badhaai Ho’, Chrome Pictures ventured into Original Web Films for OTT platforms. ‘’Trial Period’’ released on 21 July 2023, directed by Aleya Sen, starring Genelia Deshmukh and Manav Kaul, presented yet another unique concept of ‘Father on rent’ that struck a chord with the audience. The reviews ranged from ’Being an ode to familyhood’ to being “an unavoidable, feel good film”. Likewise, ‘’Lust Stories 2 (Tilchatta)’’, Directed by Amit Sharma left a lasting impact. His much talked about film, “Maidaan”, starring Ajay Devgn is awaited.

    Both releases received esteemed awards – Genelia Deshmukh received a Talentrack award for Best Actor in a Comic Role (Female) for ‘Trial Period’ and Amit Sharma received the Top 10 most popular Indian movies (Streaming) of 2023 IMDb award for Lust Stories 2.

    Chrome Pictures filled the advertisement space this year with campaigns for “Mahindra Automotives”, “VI #BeSomeonesWe”, “Astral Pipes” #AccessToCleanWater, “Colgate” #ToothlessGranny, “TATA IPL”, “Lever Ayush” and “Titan Raga” directed by Amit R. Sharma, “Piramal Finance” – Hum Kaagaz Se Zyaada, Neeyat Dekhte Hain, “Glow & Lovely” #KaamyabiKeRangDikhao and “Limca” – Sab Nichord Le #MatThak by Hemant Bhandari, “Asian Paints” #MeraWalaMood in collaboration with Ogilvy aired during the festive season, “HDFC” #ZindagiKeLiyeSIP and “Flite” – #SarUthaKadamBadha by Advait Chandan. The other talented directors of Chrome Pictures kicked off campaigns throughout the year.

    Among them are the “Epigamia” and “Britannia Bourbon” Ads and the recent “IndusInd Bank” Ads directed by Roopali Singhal which was aired during the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Much talked about “Astral Pipes” #BharosaChuno, “Digital India ka TATA IPL” and “Cadbury Celebrations” #BrothersWhoCare was directed by Rai.

    “Lipton” Darjeeling Green Tea directed by Debanjolie Bhattacharjee and “MTR” Badam Milk directed by Mithun Shaw. Throughout the year, Chrome has successfully delivered a diverse range of projects that have captivated audiences globally. Amongst the many accolades that Chrome Pictures has won this year, some of their best ads won multiple awards, mainly –

    1. ‘Dove #StopTheBeautyTest’ | Directed by Amit Sharma – Cannes Lion Award, D’& D Award, LIA Award, Kyoorius creative award, TheAbbys, INDIAA awards.

    2. Truecaller | Buri Nazar Waale Tera Call Laal | Directed by Amit Sharma -Spikes Asia award, TheAbbys, Kyoorius Creative Award, INDIAA awards,

    3. Mutual Funds #ZindagiKeLiyeSIP |Directed by Advait Chandan- INDIAA awards

    4. Epigamia | Directed by Roopali Singhal – New Director Lotus – AdFest Award.

    Speaking of expansion, Director Aleya Sen talked about their latest launch CRIMSEN TALES, a Creative Lab. “It’s an initiative of bridging gaps between Industry stalwarts and young talents. There is untapped young talent in abundance today, Crimsen is a stepping stone in finding the best of talents in various fields and providing opportunities”. Their first workshop at Soho house with top women producers of Industry made noise and was well received.

    On the other hand, Chrome’s digital wing, Minikin DG Works, has continued to ardently focus on delivering and catering specifically to the ever-growing modern demands of the virtual market. It is one of the most progressive and cost-effective ways of communication.

    Looking forward to the coming year, Chrome Pictures is poised for achievements. With a slate of projects in the pipeline and a continued commitment to pushing boundaries, the team is set to make a mark in the world of entertainment.

    As we bid farewell to 2023, Chrome Pictures expresses gratitude to its dedicated team, partners and the audience for their unwavering support. The production house looks forward to continuing its journey of innovation, storytelling and excellence in the years to come!

    Film Links –

    1. Trial Period – Official Trailer | Genelia Deshmukh | Manav Kaul | Streaming Free 21 July | JioCinema

    2. VI #BeSomeonesWe -#BeSomeonesVi | VI | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma,

    #BeSomeonesWe | VI | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    BeSomeonesWe | VI | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    #BeSomeonesWe | VI | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    3. Astral Pipes #AccessToWater – https://youtu.be/Ru48Xrx12qI? Feature=shared

    4. The Toothless Granny | Colgate Strong Teeth | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    5. Digital India Ka TATA IPL | JioCinema | CHROME PICTURES Director: Rai

    6. Not Aaaahh! | Lever Ayush | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    7. #LoveYourselfBoldly | Titan Raga | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    8. Hum Kaagaz Se Zyaada, Neeyat Dekhte Hain | Piramal Finance| CHROME PICTURES Director: Hemant Bhandari

    9. #KaamyabiKeRangDikhao | Glow & Lovely | CHROME PICTURES Director: Hemant Bhandari

    10. Sab Nichord Le #MatThak | Limca | CHROME PICTURES Director: Hemant Bhandari

    11. #ZindagiKeLiyeSIP | HDFC Mutual Fund | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    12. Sar Utha Kadam Badha- Flite | Relaxo | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    13. Asian Paints #MeraWalaMood – #MeraWalaMood | Asian Paints | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    #MeraWalaMood | Asian Paints | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    #MeraWalaMood | Asian Paints | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    #MeraWalaMood | Asian Paints | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    #MeraWalaMood | Asian Paints | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    #MeraWalaMood | Asian Paints | CHROME PICTURES Director: Advait Chandan

    14. Tell me something new! | EPIGAMIA | CHROME PICTURES Director Roopali Singhal

    15. It’S Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate | Britannia | CHROME PICTURES Director: Roopali Singhal

    16. IndusInd Bank presents INDIE | IndusInd Bank | CHROME PICTURES Director: Roopali Singhal

    17. Bharosa chuno | Astral Pipes | CHROME PICTURES Director: Rai

    18. #BrothersWhoCare | Cadbury Celebrations | CHROME PICTURES Director: Rai

    19. Digital India Ka TATA IPL | JioCinema | CHROME PICTURES Director: Rai

    20. “Is a masterpiece!” | Lipton Darjeeling Tea | CHROME PICTURES Director: Debanjolie Bhattacharjee

    21. MTR Badam Milk | MTR Foods | MINIKIN DGWORKS Director: Mithun R Shaw

    22. #StopTheBeautyTest | DOVE | CHROME PICTURES Director: Amit Sharma

    23. Truecaller – Buri Nazar Waale Tera Call Laal | Dir. Amit Sharma

  • No more TV & film shoots in Goa, govt enforces 15-day lockdown

    No more TV & film shoots in Goa, govt enforces 15-day lockdown

    New Delhi: With one of the highest rate of Covid2019 infections in the country, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced a state-wide curfew in the state from 9 May to 23 May.

    According to government data, Goa has recorded a positivity rate of 41 per cent, which has surpassed the infection rates in Delhi as well as Mumbai. “The positivity rate and death rate are increasing in the state. There is no shortage of oxygen and medicines in the state. A detailed order regarding the state-level curfew will be released by 4 pm on Saturday,” said Sawant.

    The announcement comes hours after the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) cancelled all permissions granted for film and television serial shootings in the state in the wake of the raging pandemic. The ESG is Goa government’s nodal agency empowered to give permission for commercial shootings in the state.

    Several film and TV serial makers from Mumbai and Chennai had recently shifted their sets to Goa after strict restrictions were imposed in Maharashtra and other states.

    “We will not allow any shooting of films or television serials in public or private properties till the Covid2019 situation in the state comes under control,” ESG vice president Subhash Faldesai told PTI.

    All those currently shooting films and serials in Goa have also been asked to wind up their schedules. The ESG said it will review its decision only after the situation is under control.

    On Thursday, Goa reported its highest daily tally so far with 3,869 Covid2019 cases that took the count of infections to 1,08,267.

  • Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers

    Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers

    NEW DELHI: As the Covid2019 crisis worsens, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has offered to sponsor vaccines for all members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) through its charitable arm, the Yash Raj Foundation. According to a letter the YRF wrote to the president of FWICE, the foundation has already petitioned Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to help it procure vaccines to inoculate the 30,000-odd members of the cine workers’ body.

    The foundation, named after legendary director Yash Chopra, has assured that the cost of the vaccines and all related expenses will be borne by it.

    “We have sent a request to the honourable chief minister of Maharashtra to allocate and allow us to purchase Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 registered workers, who are members of the film industry’s federation in Mumbai at the earliest. The Yash Chopra Foundation will bear all other costs too associated with vaccinating the workers such as raising awareness, transportation of workers and setting up of all the required infrastructure for the immunisation programme,” wrote YRF in its letter to FWICE.

    The request comes amid a record rise in Covid cases in Mumbai. Given the surging caseloads across Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena-led ruling dispensation had imposed a statewide halt on film production activities.

    YRF further said that during these dire times, there is an urgent need to restart filming in the state so that thousands of workers have a steady stream of income to support their families.

    Following this letter from YRF, FWICE has also penned a missive to CM Thackeray, urging the government to provide 60,000 doses of the Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 members of the film industry’s federation, according to a report by India Today. In the letter, which has been signed by all the designation holders of FWICE, it is mentioned that once vaccination is complete, members can resume their work without any fear.

  • Q2-17: New initiatives lower TV18 operating profit

    Q2-17: New initiatives lower TV18 operating profit

    BENGALURU: The Mukesh Ambani group-owned TV18 Broadcast Limited (TV18) reported operating profit of Rs 9.1 crore for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q2-17, current quarter) as compared to Rs 10.8 crore in the corresponding year-ago quarter. The company says in its earnings release that excluding the impact of new initiatives, the operating profit for the quarter was Rs. 21.2 crore.

    The company’s consolidated gross revenue including proportionate share of joint ventures (JV) in Q2-17 increased 8.6 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) to Rs 653.47 crore as compared to Rs 608.53 crore. TV18’s total income from operations (TIO) in the current quarter increased 5.3 per cent y-o-y to Rs 239.83 crore as compared to Rs 227,68 crore.

    Consolidated media operations segment revenue (including share of JV) in the current quarter increased 14.4 per cent to Rs 647.19 crore as compared to Rs 565.91 crore in the corresponding year-ago quarter. The segment’s operating profit was just a fraction of the corresponding year ago period at Rs 1.33 crore as compared to Rs 19.75 crore.

    TV18 says that during the quarter the group remained in investment mode to position it well for the future. The information and entertainment bouquet was revamped with new launches, talent pool beefed up and accent was placed on creating/curating high quality content for both TV and digital media. Segment loss before interest and tax on a consolidated basis including the performance of joint ventures stood at Rs. 3 crore for the quarter versus. segment profit of Rs. 24.7 crore in Q2-16. Excluding the impact of new initiatives and one-time expense, the segment profit for the quarter was Rs.70.1 crore

    Film Production and Distribution segment reported 79.8 percent y-o-y drop in revenue at Rs 8.60 crore in Q2-17 as compared to Rs 42.62 crore. The segment reported operating loss of Rs 2.90 crore as against an operating profit of Rs 1.90 crore in the quarter ended 30 September 2015.

  • Q2-17: New initiatives lower TV18 operating profit

    Q2-17: New initiatives lower TV18 operating profit

    BENGALURU: The Mukesh Ambani group-owned TV18 Broadcast Limited (TV18) reported operating profit of Rs 9.1 crore for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q2-17, current quarter) as compared to Rs 10.8 crore in the corresponding year-ago quarter. The company says in its earnings release that excluding the impact of new initiatives, the operating profit for the quarter was Rs. 21.2 crore.

    The company’s consolidated gross revenue including proportionate share of joint ventures (JV) in Q2-17 increased 8.6 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) to Rs 653.47 crore as compared to Rs 608.53 crore. TV18’s total income from operations (TIO) in the current quarter increased 5.3 per cent y-o-y to Rs 239.83 crore as compared to Rs 227,68 crore.

    Consolidated media operations segment revenue (including share of JV) in the current quarter increased 14.4 per cent to Rs 647.19 crore as compared to Rs 565.91 crore in the corresponding year-ago quarter. The segment’s operating profit was just a fraction of the corresponding year ago period at Rs 1.33 crore as compared to Rs 19.75 crore.

    TV18 says that during the quarter the group remained in investment mode to position it well for the future. The information and entertainment bouquet was revamped with new launches, talent pool beefed up and accent was placed on creating/curating high quality content for both TV and digital media. Segment loss before interest and tax on a consolidated basis including the performance of joint ventures stood at Rs. 3 crore for the quarter versus. segment profit of Rs. 24.7 crore in Q2-16. Excluding the impact of new initiatives and one-time expense, the segment profit for the quarter was Rs.70.1 crore

    Film Production and Distribution segment reported 79.8 percent y-o-y drop in revenue at Rs 8.60 crore in Q2-17 as compared to Rs 42.62 crore. The segment reported operating loss of Rs 2.90 crore as against an operating profit of Rs 1.90 crore in the quarter ended 30 September 2015.

  • Q2-2016: Tips YoY Audio Products sales up 12.5%

    Q2-2016: Tips YoY Audio Products sales up 12.5%

    BENGALURU: Tips Industries Limited (Tips) reported a 12.5 per cent growth in its Audio Products Sales to Rs 9.01 core (75 per cent of Total Income from Operations or TIO) in the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q2-2016, current quarter) as compared to the Rs 8 crore (10.3 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015. QoQ, Audio Product sales grew 1.6 per cent from Rs 8.86 crore (100 per cent of TIO).

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    Tips reported TIO of Rs 12.01 crore in the current quarter. In Q2-2014, higher revenue from films resulted in the company reporting 6.5 times higher revenue of Rs 78 crore. In the immediate trailing quarter, Tips reported revenue of Rs 8.86 crore.

     

    The company reported profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 1.59 crore (13.2 per cent margin) in Q2-2016 as compared the profit of Rs 13.53 crore (17.3 per cent margin) in Q2-2015 and a loss of Rs 0.62 crore in Q1-2016.

     

    Segment numbers

     

    The company’s Audio Production Sales/Income segment reported 2.6 times the operating profit of Rs 7.91 crore in Q2-2016 as compared to the Rs 3.05 crore in Q2-2015 and 3.9 per cent more than the Rs 7.62 crore in Q1-2016.

     

    Tips Film Production/Distribution (Production) segment reported revenue of Rs 3 crore (25 per cent of TIO) in the current quarter as compared to the Rs 70 crore (89.7 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015. For Q1-2016, the segment had reported ‘nil’ revenue.

     

    Tips Production segment reported operating loss of Rs 0.88 crore as compared to an operating profit of Rs 19.07 crore in Q2-2015 and an operating loss of Rs 3 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Let’s look at the other numbers reported by Tips

     

    The company’s simple EBIDTA calculated without considering other income in the current quarter was 75.7 per cent lower at Rs 4.86 crore (40.5 per cent margin)  as compared to the Rs 20.03 crore (25.7 per cent margin) in Q2-2015 and was 63.6 per cent more than the Rs 2.97 crore (33.5 per cent margin) in Q1-2016.

     

    The company’s Total Expenses in the current quarter reduced by 87 per cent YoY to Rs 7.57 crore (63 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 58.40 crore (74.9 per cent of TIO) and increased by 19.6 per cent from Rs 6.33 crore (71.4 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016.

     

    Tips cost of production/distribution of films in Q2-2016 reduced 93.4 per cent YoY to Rs 3.31 crore (27.6 per cent of TIO)  from Rs 50.44 crore (64.7 per cent of TIO) and increased 28.3 per cent to Rs 2.58 crore (29.1 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    The company’s finance costs in Q2-2016 at Rs 3.31 crore (27.6 per cent of TIO) was 15.4 per cent YoY as compared to Rs 2.87 crore (3.7 per cent of TIO), but was 2.2 per cent lower than the Rs 3.39 crore (38.2 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016.

     

    Employee Benefit Expense in the current quarter at Rs 1.41 crore (11.7 per cent of TIO) was 9.1 per cent lower than the Rs 1.55 crore (2 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2015 and was almost flat (0.9 per cent lower) as compared to the Rs 1.42 crore (16 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter.

  • DQ Entertainment’s Method Animation gets much needed nudge

    DQ Entertainment’s Method Animation gets much needed nudge

    MUMBAI: DQ Entertainment (DQE), a leading animation, gaming, live action, entertainment production and distribution group, has announced the reorganisation of its French sister company Method Animation, in which it holds a 20 per cent equity stake. Method Animation has collaborated with Onyx Films and Chapter 2 to create ‘On Entertainment Group’ which will be the holding company for the three French subsidiary companies.

     

    With the combined portfolio that includes a huge library of titles and group revenues, the enlarged French group automatically climbs the pedestal to become one of the leading animation and film production companies in Europe. The new On Entertainment group has revenue of €34 million and an operating profit of €5.2 million. DQ Entertainment pictures will continue to hold a 20 per cent stake in Method Animation.

     

    On Entertainment is aiming to grow rapidly over the next five years for which it has even raised its investment. It will provide increased liquidity to the group and fund future productions through a fundraising of €10 million from Ohana Capital, a Canadian corporate investment fund, Gallic entrepreneur Laurent Dassault’s holding company LDRP, and AB Group, one of France’s biggest rights-brokers and the owner of 14 pay-TV channels. AB will provide minimum guarantees in future shows/TV Series, while Ohana Capital has expertise in licensing and merchandising.

     

    “The group intends to create two films per year with significant budgets that are intended for worldwide distribution,” said Chapter 2 CEO Dimitri Rassam. Method Animation CEO Aton Soumache said, “We are working on creating a catalogue of characters that can be monetised in various markets.”

     

    DQ Entertainment CEO Tapaas Charkravarti, commented: “We look forward to partnering with On entertainment on new  productions, combining the unique strengths and resources that the two groups represent.”

     

    On Entertainment’s projects for 2014 and 2015 include the feature film Paradise Lost based on the life of Pablo Escobar with Benicia DelToro and Josh Hutcherson starring in the €20 million budget film; Le Petit Prince, an animated feature film at a budget of €57 million euros has already been closed. It is directed by Mark Osborne and slated for a Global release in second half of 2015.

     

    DQ Entertainment and Method Animation have together undertaken several productions such as Le Petit Prince, Peter Pan, Prodigies, Charlie Chaplin, Le Petit Nicolas, Iron Man (a flagship series of Marvel characters) and several others at a combined production budget of about €90 million. At the same time, Robin Hood Season-1, Second season of The New Adventures of Peter Pan, English-language live­ action/animation hybrid TV Series of The Seven Dwarfs and Me, and several other famous brands are in the development.

  • Reliance Media Works reports lower consolidated loss y-o-y for Sept 2013 quarter

    Reliance Media Works reports lower consolidated loss y-o-y for Sept 2013 quarter

    BENGALURU: Reliance Media Works (RMW), formerly Adlabs Films and a part of the Reliance ADA group, reported lower consolidated net loss in the July-September 2013 (SQ-2013) quarter as compared to the corresponding quarter of last year. RMW’s total consolidated loss before tax for the quarter SQ-2013 at Rs 121.99 crore was almost half (52.74 per cent) of the Rs 231.31 crore the company had reported for the corresponding quarter of last year (Quarter ended 30 September 2012 or SQ-2012), and almost flat as compared to the loss of Rs 120.09 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2013 (JQ-2013).

     

    Notes:  (1) The board of directors of the company in its meeting on 11 August 2013 has extended the financial year of the company to March 2014 which has been accepted by the Registrar of Companies. Accordingly the financial statements of the company will be drawn for 18 month period ended 31 March 2014. Hence the various quarter have been referred to as SQ (September Quarter) and (JQ) June Quarter of the respective calendar year (not financial year, since this has been changed once again by the company).

     

    (2) Notes of the attached financial statement must be read along with this analysis.

     

    (3) RMW’s net worth has eroded, however, having regard to revenue visibility of new businesses in film and media services, improved operational performance of exhibition business, financial support from its promoters, further restructuring exercise being implemented etc., the financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the company is a going concern and that no adjustments are required to the carrying value of assets and liabilities.

     

    Let us look at RMW’s other results for the quarter ended SQ- 2013.

     

    Consolidated income for SQ-2013 at Rs 192.54 crore was 11.11 per cent lower than the Rs 216.61 crore for the corresponding quarter last year SQ-2012 and 0.8 per cent lower than the Rs 194.17 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    RMW reported total income from operations for SQ-2013 at Rs 186.63 crore which was about 13 per cent lower than the Rs 214.46 crore for SQ-2012 and 3.6 per cent higher than the Rs 180.16 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    Total expense for SQ-2013 at Rs 238.40 crore was 21.54 per cent lower than the Rs 303.83 crore for SQ-2012 and almost flat as compared to the Rs 238.97 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    RMW paid 20.46 per cent lower distributors share for SQ-2013 at Rs 39.66 crore as compared to the Rs 49.86 crore for SQ-2012, but 8.2 per cent higher than the Rs 36.66 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    Depreciation, amortisation and impairment for SQ-2013 at Rs 37.27 crore was 7.2 per cent higher than the Rs 34.78 crore for SQ-2012 and 4.1 per cent higher than the Rs 35.79 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    RMW says that it has undertaken an initiative for rationalisation/improvement of exhibition business, under which it is re-negotiating rentals downwards and in some cases exit the properties. Its rental expense at Rs 43.07 crore for SQ-2013 was 11.6 per cent lower than the Rs 48.72 crore for SQ-2012 and 16 per cent lower than the Rs 51.27 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    Segment results

     

    RMW’s film production segment has been the biggest contributors to the loss. This segment reported income of Rs 35.55 crore for SQ-2013 and a loss of Rs 37.62 crore. The film production loss for SQ-2013 was 38.35 per cent lower than the Rs 61.02 crore for SQ-2012 against flat income of Rs 35.35 crore.  Comparatively, revenue for SQ-2013 was 14.6 per cent higher at Rs 41.62 crore, with a 12.13 per cent lower loss of Rs 33.55 crore.

     

    Theatrical exhibition had an income of Rs 138.6 crore for Q2-2013, which was 15.1 per cent lower than the Rs 163.26 crore for SQ-2012 and 8.7 per cent higher than the Rs 127.56 crore for JQ-2013. This segment reported less than one sixth the loss for SQ-2013 at Rs 14.79 crore as compared to the Rs 94.87 crore for SQ-2012 and 39 per cent lower than the Rs 24.25 crore for JQ-2013.

     

    The only profitable segment, television, film production and distribution reported income of Rs 15.49 per cent for SQ-2013 which was 16.9 per cent higher than the Rs 13.25 crore for SQ-2012, but 10.93 per cent lower than the immediate preceding quarter (JQ-2013) which reported income of Rs  17.39 crore. This segment reported profit of Rs 4.37 crore for SQ-2013 which was 19.82 per cent lower than the Rs 5.45 crore for SQ-2012 and almost flat as compared to the Rs 4.34 crore for JQ-2013.

  • Single window service for film shooting to become operational shortly: Tewari

    Single window service for film shooting to become operational shortly: Tewari

    NEW DELHI: A single window service for promoting cinema tourism is all set to become operational shortly.

     

    Speaking at the Cinemascape 2013 conclave in Mumbai today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari observed that India with its rich heritage and diverse geography has great potential as a destination for film shooting but the current system of multiple clearances at various levels made it an unattractive destination for filming.

     

     “Increasingly therefore, most Indian filmmakers have gravitated towards foreign destinations for outdoor shoots. Any lost opportunity is a revenue loss for the country,” he remarked.

     

    Tewari said the government has now decided to address the issue by establishing a single window service for granting clearances for film shootings in India. He informed that a Committee on Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India has been set up. It is chaired by the secretary in the ministry, with senior representatives from the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs; Tourism; Culture; Railways; Civil Aviation; Defence and Department of Revenue etc.

     

     The state governments have been asked to nominate the nodal officers for film clearance. The minister said Standard Operating Procedures are being developed to accord clearances for film shooting by domestic and foreign producers in India.

     

    Tewari stressed on the need for a sound legal architecture for promoting cinema as a form of creative expression. While conceding that law and order is a state subject, he said film certification falls in the central domain. He said, “There is an urgent need to update laws relating to film certification and exhibition and I am happy to inform that the committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal has submitted its recommendation along with a model bill to replace the existing Cinematograph Act 1952.”

     

     He said the recommendations of the committee as well as the model bill will be published on the website of the ministry to seek wider public consultation. The minister assured the film fraternity that by the middle of 2014, India would have a contemporary law to deal with cinema.

     

     Dwelling on the issue of taxation and fiscal incentives for the film and entertainment sector, the minister called upon the industry representatives to set up a committee of experts to draw a comprehensive strategy, which could then be submitted to the Finance Minister on behalf of his ministry.

     

    Participating in a panel discussion, noted film maker Mukesh Bhatt said 76 different permissions have to be obtained for film shooting in India, while Indian producers are given a red carpet welcome in some of the cine-tourism nations like Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Bhatt acknowledged that the Ministry’s effort is a welcome first step.