In a recent high-stakes meeting among key players in Tamil cinema, significant changes are on the horizon. The Tamil Film Producers Association (TFPC), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, Tamil Nadu Multiplex Owners Association, and Tamil Nadu Film Distributors, has laid out a series of resolutions aimed at addressing the pressing issues within the industry.
Key Decisions from the Meeting:
- OTT Release Window: Films starring major stars will now have an eight-week window between their theatrical release and their debut on OTT platforms. This new regulation aims to maximize the revenue potential from theatrical runs before films become available for streaming.
- Actor and Technician Dues: A major concern is the practice of actors and technicians accepting advance payments from multiple production companies while failing to complete existing commitments. To mitigate financial losses for producers, actors and technicians are now required to finish ongoing projects before taking on new ones. Notably, producers are advised to consult the TFPC before beginning new projects involving actor Dhanush, who has been involved in such disputes.
- Ceiling on Salaries and Production Costs: The industry has seen a surge in salaries and production costs, impacting overall budgets. The TFPC is working on new regulations to cap these expenses and bring more structure to film financing.
- Temporary Suspension of New Shoots: To ensure a smooth transition to these new regulations, a temporary halt on the start of new films has been mandated from August 16, 2024. Current projects must be completed by October 30, 2024, with no new shoots commencing until the new rules are fully implemented.
- Communication and Compliance: Producers are required to formally report ongoing film projects to the TFPC. This measure is intended to keep track of productions and enforce the new regulations effectively
- Formation of Joint Action Committee: A new committee comprising producers, distributors, and theatre owners will oversee the implementation of these resolutions and address future industry issues.
These sweeping changes come in response to ongoing challenges in Tamil cinema, including financial mismanagement and escalating production costs. The industry has faced similar shutdowns in the past, such as the 2018 strike over revenue sharing issues. This time, however, the focus is on regulating actor and technician conduct, and the industry awaits the reactions from those directly affected by these new rules.
As the TFPC gears up for these significant shifts, it will be crucial to see how these regulations impact the Tamil film industry and whether they effectively address the concerns that have prompted this decisive action.
