Other decisions: 2-tier system for ticket prices; big production houses not to levy VPF charges from producers/distributors.
Published Aug 24, 2022 | 7:48 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 24, 2022 | 7:48 AM
The Telugu film shootings will resume on 1 September. (Creative Commons)
Ending the ongoing turmoil in the industry and much to the relief of employees and workers of the “24 crafts”, Telugu film producers have decided to resume shootings on 1 September.
Projects slated for release on “Dasara” can, however, begin work from 25 August — but with the permission of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), Telugu Film Producers’ Council president and producer C Kalyan said.
Telugu Film Producers’ Guild (TFPG) president Dil Raju said the producers have been brainstorming for almost 6-8 hours a day since the stalling the shootings on 1 August.
“We have discussed all the core issues in the industry in Round 1 and held talks with the respective unions in Round 2. The final round of talks is underway and we would sign agreements with the respective parties on 30 August,” Raju said.
In the final round, the producers and exhibitors are expected to find an “amicable solution” to the thorny issue of VPF charges.
“The VPF charges have been one of the long-pending issues in Tollywood since we could not arrive at a consensus with exhibitors like Qube and UFO Moviez,” he pointed out.
VPF, virtual print fee, is the fee producers were to pay for theatres to acquire digital equipment when the industry moved from reels to digital prints. It is usually paid on a per-screen basis.
While there are over 1,800 screens in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states, Dil Raju’s Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC) owns around 50, UV Creations owns another 50 and other major production houses like Ramanaidu Studios own nearly 30-40 screens.
“As a starter, major production houses like SVC and UV Creations have decided to not levy VPF charges on producers and distributors from 2 September. We hope that this works and that other producers would follow in our footsteps,” Raju said.
Meanwhile, all the exhibitors agreed to slash the prices of tickets and food and beverage items at theatres. However, a two-tier slab system will be adopted for ticket prices in the case of small- and big-budget films.
“We have signed agreements with most of the workers’ unions in 24 crafts including the Movie Artists’ Association (and their personal managers). However, talks are on with three of the crafts. The final decision will be announced to the media on 30 August,” Raju added.
Film Chamber president K Basi Reddy thanked all the producers, actors, technicians and workers of 24 crafts for their unrelenting support in restructuring Tollywood.
