To address the backlog of films waiting for release, the TFPC has set new guidelines.
Published Jul 29, 2024 | 5:43 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 01, 2024 | 12:32 PM
TFPC to put a hold on all film-related activities from 1 November. (X)
The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) will halt all new film projects from 16 August and suspend all film-related activities starting 1 November.
A recent meeting in Chennai included representatives from the TFPC, Tamil Film Producers’ Association, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, Tamil Nadu Theatre Multiplex Owners Association, and Tamil Nadu Film Distributors’ Association.
To address the backlog of films waiting for release, the TFPC has set new guidelines.
From 16 August, new projects will be paused and producers must notify the TFPC in writing about ongoing projects, which must be completed by 30 October.
The TFPC declared that all film-related activities, including shooting, will stop from 1 November. The council aims to restructure and regulate spending on actors’ salaries and other production costs to ensure financial stability in the Tamil film industry.
The meeting also addressed the issue of actors and technicians abandoning projects after receiving advances, causing significant losses to producers. Those who receive advances must now complete their current projects before starting new ones.
Dhanush was specifically mentioned, with the council advising producers to consult them before signing him for new projects.
Sri Thenandal Films accused actor Dhanush in 2023 of taking an advance and not showing up for the shoot.
The council stated, “Producers should consult the Tamil Film Producers Association before commencing new projects with Dhanush, given his history of accepting advances from multiple producers.”
#TFPC – Tamil Film Producers Council issues new rules :
Big Star films can release on OTT only after 8 weeks (56 days) of it’s theatrical run
No new Tamil movies can start after August 15th and all under production films shoot should be wrapped by Oct 31 as there will be no…
— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) July 29, 2024
A release issued by TFPC on film-related activities and new guidelines. (X)
Additionally, the TFPC announced a mandatory eight-week OTT release window for big-star films to protect theatrical runs and extend box office longevity.
Gone are the days of waiting months to watch a movie at home after its release. Since cinema halls reopened in November 2021, following the COVID-19 lockdown, the OTT release window was shortened from eight to four weeks. This change sparked debates about its impact on theatrical performance.
The reduction in the release gap was a response to the extended closure of theatres during the pandemic. The four-week window has become contentious, with film producers seeking even shorter windows for OTT releases.
Producers, who faced losses due to delays in theatrical releases, have been pushing for quicker OTT availability to secure better deals, with OTT platforms offering 80-100 percent premiums for digital rights.
However, the four-week window is now problematic for both exhibitors and producers. While audiences are returning to theatres, attendance remains low, impacting box office revenues.
To address industry-wide challenges, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) of producers, distributors, and theatre owners has been formed to develop solutions for the Tamil film industry.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
