ITV

Tag: Film

  • Wift in conversation with Anupama Chopra and Zoya Akhtar

    Wift in conversation with Anupama Chopra and Zoya Akhtar

    MUMBAI: The name is Chopra, Anupama Chopra. Yes, if you are a movie buff then you know whom we are talking about.

     

    The author, journalist and film critic has written several books on Indian cinema and the latest addition to this long list is ‘100 Films To See Before You Die’. With Indian cinema completing hundred years in 2013, it is a perfect guide for cinema enthusiasts.

     

    Wift Mumbai Chapter, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing a dynamic platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas, accelerate the professional development and recognise the achievement of women in film, television and other screen based media, is giving an opportunity to such enthusiasts to have conversation with the author herself.

     

    The event is a networking evening for women who get to interact with other professionals from the industry. “They get an opportunity to meet Anupama Chopra who has written the book and director Zoya Akhtar. The biggest challenge is to meet the right people. Wift gives them the opportunity through workshops like these with leading industry professionals,” says founder Petrina M D’Rozario.

     

    The organisation aims to have one such event every month. It also has an initiative called SNF (Saturday Night Fever) which is a relaxed evening one Saturday of the month with a theme over vino and cheese!

     

    Unlike some of the other events held by the organsiation which are only for the members, today’s event is open for all but will come with a charge of Rs 300 per head. “Only to be fair to our members who pay for the events and to pay for the F&B served at the event do we charge people,” clarifies Petrina.
    So, on a Friday evening head out to Le Sutra (Khar) to mingle with the industry professionals as well as to get an insight on the biggest churner of entertainment – Bollywood – from 6.30 pm onwards.

  • Film & Television Producers Guild of India re-elects Mukesh Bhatt as president

    Film & Television Producers Guild of India re-elects Mukesh Bhatt as president

    MUMBAI: The Film & Television Producers Guild of India (‘Guild’) has re-elected Mukesh Bhatt as its president. The appointment was announced in the first meeting of the newly constituted Guild Council of Management.

    The other office bearers of the ‘Guild’ management team were also re-elected – namely Dheeraj Kumar, Ashutosh Gowariker, Vipul Shah and Siddharth Roy Kapur as vice presidents and Manish Goswami and Ashim Samanta as treasurers.
    We have made a conscious attempt to radically change the overall image and make-up of the Guild, says Mukesh Bhatt

    Ratan Jain, Vijay Singh and N P Singh were elected as new members in the Guild Council of Management for the year 2013-14 whilst Rajkumar Kohli was nominated by the Council as a co-opted member. Veteran council member and ex-president of Guild Amit Khanna was honoured by the council on being accorded the privilege of a permanent member of council of management.

    Kulmeet Makkar will continue to manage the affairs of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India as its CEO.

    In the opening speech at the Guild AGM, Bhatt, in the course of apprising the members about various initiatives of Guild during the past 12 months said, “We have made a conscious attempt to radically change the overall image and make-up of the Guild with the ultimate endeavor to build ‘Guild’ – not only in the eyes of the government and fellow trade associations/stakeholders but more significantly to earn goodwill amongst the Guild’s most prized assets – our esteemed Guild members. I am pleased that we have brought in an assured outlook in our delivery mechanism approach to all concerned individuals/entities and the effects are very much visible.”

  • Gujarati film ‘The Good Road’ is Indian nomination for Oscars

    Gujarati film ‘The Good Road’ is Indian nomination for Oscars

    New Delhi: Debut feature filmmaker Gyan Correa’s Gujarati film ‘The Good Road’ will represent India at the Oscars 2013 in the Foreign Language Film category.

    The film was picked by a 16-member committee headed by eminent Bengali filmmaker Goutam Ghose appointed by the Film Federation of India.

    Ritesh Batra’s Irrfan Khan starrer ‘The Lunchbox’, which has been a front runner for India’s entry to the Oscars, was the closest contender.

    However, ‘The Good Road’ was unanimously picked by the committee which comprised of eminent film professions representing different regions and languages from all over the country.

    Others in the running included ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, ‘Ship of Theseus’, ‘English Vinglish’ and ‘Shabdo’.

    ‘The Good Road’ had bagged the National Award for Best Feature Film (Gujarati) earlier this year.

    The National Film Development Corporation-produced film stars Sonali Kulkarni, Ajay Gehi, Keval Katrodia, Shamji Dhana Kerasia, Priyank Upadhyay, and Poonam Kesarsingh Rajput.

    Rajat Dholakia who has composed music for ‘Delhi 6’ and ‘Mirch Masala’ among others gave the music for this film.

    Based in Kachchh, Gujarat, the film revolves around a journey of three sets of people who travel on a highway, traveling across Banni, which borders the Rann. They are all on a journey to achieve their respective pursuits but over the next 24 hours, they discover something altogether different, something new and unexpected about their lives.

  • ‘CBGB’ film to premiere on DirecTV ahead of theatrical release

    MUMBAI: CBGB, a film about the New York nightclub where US punk rock music was born, is to premiere on DirecTV, the satellite company announced recently.

     

    Directed by Randall Miller and starring Alan Rickman, Malin Akerman, Ashley Greene and Rupert Grint, the film will debut 5 September and air through 2 October, prior to its theatrical release set for 11 October.

    “By providing exclusive, premium content in an earlier window we can offer our customers an entertainment experience they can‘t find anywhere else,” said DirecTV VP marketing Alex Kaplan. “At the same time filmmakers have a new platform with 20 million viewers to distribute their work. We‘re excited to work with XLrator Media to give our customers an exclusive look atCBGB before it hits theaters.”

     

    “We are delighted to be working with DirecTV and applaud them for putting forth this innovative program for top independent films,” said XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

     

    “Movie-watching habits have evolved, and consumers will always drive the market. DirecTV’s exclusive program is both consumer and filmmaker friendly. CBGB will have access to an enormous national platform coupled with massive marketing and promotional support, and consumers will have an opportunity to see a great movie before it hits theaters.”

     

    “This is totally punk,” Miller said. “We are excited to get the movie out in the most exciting way! 20 million people getting to talk about the film and enjoy it at home… I have one word, ‘awesome!‘”

  • Expanding the Film and Television Industry’s Horizon, 23 years and counting

    Expanding the Film and Television Industry’s Horizon, 23 years and counting

    MUMBAI: Saicom Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd is pleased to announce that the 23rd chapter of the Broadcast India 2013 will be held from October 9 -11, 2013 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (East), Mumbai. A 2 day Conference will be held on October 9 and 10, 2013 at the same venue.

    As an added attraction, this year, Broadcast India along with RED bring you REDucation a workshop focused on hands-on learning with RED Digital Cinema camera packages (DRAGON, EPIC, SCARLET). Learn, shoot and review 4K footage on the big screen each day in the large 200+ sq mt. REDucation theatre.

    Broadcast India 2013 is the country’s biggest and the most comprehensive platform for the broadcast, film and entertainment industry which promises to bring to you the very best for all there is to do with Broadcast, Film, Audio, Radio from its content creation to its management and delivery.

    The show will be host to 35 participating countries and to over 550 companies, 30 of them exhibiting at the show for the first time. Panasonic, Sony, Blackmagic Design, Harris, GoPro, Grass Valley, ARRI, AJA Video Systems, Autodesk, Adobe, Canon, Datavideo, Wasp3D, Ross Video, Yamaha, Harman, RCS, Carl Zeiss and Shure, to name a few, will showcase their state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology. The other attractions are the new Pavilions of Korea and UK apart from the Bavarian Pavilion, all representing their respective countries.

    As promises go, at the very least we will be introduced to an enlightened environment that will challenge the very way we look at broadcast and entertainment.

  • Saregama Q1-2014 results subdued: Film & TV soaps segment profitable for first time

    Saregama Q1-2014 results subdued: Film & TV soaps segment profitable for first time

    BENGALURU: Saregama India Limited (Saregama) reported total income of Rs 35.81 crore, 5.01 per cent higher than the Rs 34.10 crore for Q1-2013, but 25.32 per cent lower than the Rs 25.32 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama’s Film and TV serials segment reported a profit before interest and tax of Rs 0.37 crore for the first time in Q1-2014, hence adding to the company’s profit.

     

    Saregama reported a PAT of Rs 1.83 crore for Q1-2014 which was 27.38 per cent lower than the Rs 2.52 crore for Q1-2013 and 21.12 per cent lower than the Rs 2.32 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Let us look at Saregama’s other figures for Q1-2014

     

    The company’s net sales (net of excise duty) for Q1-2014 was Rs 12.82 crore, 12.55 per cent lower than the Rs 14.66 crore for Q1-2013 and 33.23 per cent lower than the Rs 19.20 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama’s license fees income for Q1-2014 at Rs 22.96 crore was 19.27 per cent higher than the Rs 19.25 crore in Q1-2013, but 20 per cent lower than the Rs 28.71 crore in Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama’s total expense for Q1-2014 at Rs 34.07 crore was 5.84 per cent more than Rs 32.19 crore y-o-y (as compared to Q1-2013), but 30.26 per cent lower than the Rs 48.85 crore q-o-q (as compared to Q4-2013).

     

    The company’s royalty payment for Q1-2014 at Rs 3.44 crore was 13.53 per cent more than the Rs 3.03 crore in Q1-2013, but was 10.18 per cent less than the Rs 3.83 crore paid in Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama’s provision for doubtful debts at Rs 2.11 crore was almost double the Rs 1.08 crore for Q1-2013, but less than a fifth (19.92 per cent) of the Rs 10.59 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama paid Rs 2.21 crore towards advertisement and sales promotion for Q1-2014 which was more than double (2.1 times more) than the Rs 1.05 crore for Q1-2013 and 57.7 per cent lower as compared to the Rs 3.83 crore in Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama’s cost of production of Films, television and portal at Rs 8.97 crore in Q1-2014 was 20.24 per cent more than the Rs 7.46 crore for Q1-2013 and 22.87 per cent lower than the Rs 11.63 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    The company’s profit from operations before other income, finance costs and exceptional items for Q1-2014 at Rs 1.74 crore was 8.9 lower than the Rs 1.91 crore for Q1-2013. For Q4-2013, Saregama’s incurred a loss from operations before other income, finance costs and exceptional items of Rs 0.90 crore.

     

    Saregama had other income of Rs 1.39 crore for Q1-2014 which was 48.87 per cent higher than the Rs 0.94 crore for Q1-2013 but less than a fourth (24.3 per cent) of the Rs 5.72 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Saregama paid 30.56 per cent lower interest cost of Rs 0.50 crore for Q1-2014 as compared to the Rs 0.72 crore for Q1-2013. Its interest cost of Rs 0.61 crore for Q4-2013 was 18.03 per cent higher than the interest cost for Q1-2014.

     

    Let us look at Sargama’s segment results for Q1-2014

     

    Saregama’s Music segment had revenue of Rs 25.09 crore which was 7.55 per cent lower than the Rs 27.14 crore in Q1-2013 and 28.13 per cent lower than the Rs 34.91 crore for Q4-2013. Profit before tax and interest expense from this segment at Rs 9.31 crore was 22 per cent lower than the Rs 11.94 crore for Q1-2013 and less than half (47.5 per cent) of the Rs 19.60 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Capital employed (segment assets minus segment liabilities) by Saregama’s Music segment for Q1-2014 at Rs 78.18 crore was 17.56 per cent higher than the Rs 66.5 crore and 3.2 per cent more than the Rs 75.75 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Revenue from Saregama’s Film and Television serials segment at Rs 10.72 crore was 54 per cent more than the Rs 6.96 crore in Q1-2013 but 17.8 per cent lower than the Rs 13.04 crore for Q4-2013. Capital employed by the Film and Television serials segment (segment assets minus segment liabilities) for Q1-2014 was Rs 17.62 crore, which was 6.23 per cent lower than the Rs 18.79 crore for Q1-2013 and 12.86 per cent lower than the Rs 20.22 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    As mentioned above, this segment returned a profit before interest and tax of Rs 0.37 crore for the first time in Q1-2014 as compared to the losses in previous quarters.

  • Salman’s UK visa gets rejected, Kick on hold

    Salman’s UK visa gets rejected, Kick on hold

    MUMBAI: While Sajid Nadiadwala’s new film Kick is underway in Glasgow, United Kingdom has rejected Salman Khan’s visa without giving any reason for the denial. Salman was supposed to shoot there last week but was unable to fly to UK because of the cancellation.

    Eleven years after he allegedly killed one person in a hit and run case, Khan was formally charged against homicide not amounting to murder. Khan had appeared in court on 24 July but the final verdict was not taken and the charges and adjourned the case till August 19.

    There are speculations that the reasons are the cases against Khan. Who has two cases against him and is still awaiting a verdict.

  • Film inspired by gang rape victim case in Delhi set for release next month

    Film inspired by gang rape victim case in Delhi set for release next month

    NEW DELHI: “Tara – The Journey of Love & Passion”, a film inspired by the case of the gang rape victim in Delhi last December, is being released on 12 July after having acclaim at several festivals overseas.

    Awnindra Pratap Pandey (Boyfriend of the gang rape victim generally referred to as Nirbhaya) said: “I totally feel for the cause on which this film is based and I am happy that someone has taken the step towards empowerment of Women. I hope this small step would lead to the betterment of the society and provides a message to everyone.”

    Speaking a press meet in Delhi, lead actress Rekha Rana said, “I am from Delhi and I was very upset with the Nirbhaya incident. I feel lucky that this film came to me. This is the kind of role I have been looking forward to.”

    Producer and Director Kumar Raj said, "I happened to attend one of her (Rekha’s) plays, I had already auditioned more than 300 girls and was in search for leading lady for a very long time.” Impressed with her stage presence, Rekha was called by Kumar for an audition in front of ten people including the writer, out of which nine people voted for her."

    This powerful story of self-discovery transcends the original theme of tribal strife to raise a universal question: Can you always choose freedom and self-respect over social acceptance? The journey of the ordinary woman Tara in extraordinary situations reveals the story of love and passion and how she deals with this dilemma.

  • European Film Commission Network & Film France partner with Golden Bird Entertainment & peacefulfish

    European Film Commission Network & Film France partner with Golden Bird Entertainment & peacefulfish

    On the occasion of 100 years of Indian Cinema at Cannes, these partners launch a first-of-its-kind high-level panel discussion on combining European financing opportunities with Indian production, financing, and distribution power.

    The Cannes panel discussion will have a keynote speech from Mr. Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary, Indian Information and Broadcasting Ministry, who will guide on the much simplified “Single window clearance for international shoots and co-production treaties”. Producer Johannes Rexin of Heimatfilm, Germany will share his experiences on the first official German-Indian co-production “Qissa” starring Irrfan Khan (The Namesake, Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi). The European Film Commission Network and Franck Priot, COO, Film France will focus on their mission and objectives which have helped them to work with Indian and French production companies and films in France and India. Juliane Schulze, Senior Partner, peacefulfish will provide invaluable guidance on European tax incentives, subsidies, and co-financing opportunities. The panel will be moderated by Mohinder Walia, Managing Director, Golden Bird Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (Former MD, Twentieth Century Fox Studios India) and he will share his deep insight on production, financing, and global distribution from an Indian perspective.

    This high-level panel discussion addresses the most effective ways for European and Indian film producers to form lasting working relationships and benefit from the different financing landscapes of both territories. Representatives from the European Film Commission Network, Golden Bird Entertainment, peacefulfish, and Film France will offer their industry expertise on how to cultivate more productions between Europe and India.

    Sharing her vision behind the panel, peacefulfish’s Juliane Schulze commented: “This is the right moment to support more productions between Europe and India, to help producers finally unlock the full financing potential that Europe’s various tax incentives and subsidies offer on the one hand and the potential equity investment that India offers on the other.”

    Driven by the passion to bring European and Indian productions closer, Mohinder Walia of Golden Bird Entertainment said: “I see large possibilities of partnerships in film shoots and co-productions as both India and Europe increasingly expand their horizons to attract such films to their shores. With an ever-increasing international audience for these mainstream and independent films, India is thrilled and committed to such partnerships with its production, distribution, and funding power”.

    For enquiries, please contact mohinder@goldenbirdentertainment.com, juliane@peacefulfish.com

    About Golden Bird Entertainment

    Golden Bird Entertainment, with its global Film and Television expertise and strong international partnerships including Hollywood studios, is uniquely positioned to offer “One-stop Shop” services for worldwide production, distribution, and funding services for Indian and International Film and TV projects. The company, in 2013, will commence operations of “MUMBAI MEDIA CITY”, India’s largest and first-of-its-kind Hollywood-benchmarked studio and media education facilities right in the heart of Mumbai city. The company also consults Indian and global media and entertainment companies for business development and market expansion in India and global markets including finding joint venture partners, investors, and facilitating M & A deals.

    www.goldenbirdentertainment.com

    About European Film Commission Network (EUFCN)

    EUFCN is a non-profit association which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture.
    Its main goals are to create a network of the most active European Film Commissions; to promote the exchange of information between members; to sustain the development of location searches and shooting opportunities; and to carry out professional and educational activities for members.

    Furthermore, it is also involved in promoting Film Commission activities with Public Institutions, the European Community and the film industry; conducting projects funded by the European Union; supporting the film industry; organizing seminars and conferences; analyzing the needs of producers of films and TV dramas and meeting these needs.

    www.eufcn.com

    About Film France

    Film France is the first stop for foreign production companies and individuals preparing to film in France. A network of 40 local film commissions throughout the country offers free information on locations, crews, labour rates and facilities.

    Film France provides assistance with contacting appropriate agencies regarding immigration/work permits and filming permits, as well as information regarding labour rates, studio facilities, post-production facilities and suppliers. Nowhere else in Europe will you find such a large diversity of locations combined with a highly skilled workforce.

    www.filmfrance.net

    About peacefulfish

    Created in 2000, peacefulfish is a Berlin based strategic financing consultancy for the creative industries with a strong focus on film and content financing and on developing innovative financial instruments for fundraising for films and digital content. peacefulfish clients include independent producers from around the world as well as public institutions, to support regional development through tailor-made financing tools or financial incentives for films. Its main expertise is rooted within the fields of conceptual analyses, qualitative research, market intelligence, training, and project management.

    www.peacefiulfish.com

  • Film on battling Somali pirates to get worldwide release in October

    Film on battling Somali pirates to get worldwide release in October

    NEW DELHI: ‘Captain Phillps‘ directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks with Catherine Keener, will be released worldwide on 11 October.
     
    Tom Hanks is a two-time Oscar winner and Oscar nominee Greengrass is director of the Bourne series of films.
     
    ‘Captain Phillips‘ is an action thriller from Columbia Pictures produced by Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, and Michael De Luca.
     
    It is the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.
     
    The film is based on a screenplay by Billy Ray and based upon the book, ‘A Captain‘s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea‘, by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty.