Producer-Multiplex Strike is over

...well almost

Producer-Multiplex standoff is over.... well, almost
By: Amul Sharma Date: 2009-05-29


Mumbai:

The wait will soon be over. Bolly buffs all over the globe will be able catch new releases in two weeks time.
The negotiations have been reached between the United Producer€" Distributor Forum (UPDF) and the national multiplexes. Both parties have agreed on the 10 topics raised by the UPDF in initial meetings, including the main issue of profit-sharing margin. But no one is willing is to on record because that's Aamir Khan's diktat.

In-depth discussion

talking it out: Shah Rukh Khan and other producers at the meeting. pics/ sameer markande


Several meetings have been held in the eight-odd weeks since the UPDF stopped releasing new films in cinemas. The last meeting, however, was held till the wee hours of Wednesday morning at a Bandra hotel, which Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Karan Johar and others from the core committee attended.

Amit Khanna, who has one foot in both boats as the head of production for Big Pictures, who also oversees the workings of Big Cinemas the multiplex chain had an in-depth discussion with the producers.

One of the UPDF members, on the condition of anonymity, says, "This meeting has been the most productive one and all differences have been sorted out amicably, including the deadlock on the profit-sharing margin."

Another member adds, "UPDF and national Multiplexes will now draw up the paper work and sign up an official document to make it official. That's the only formality left. After which, new movies can start their promotion and release strategy in place."

Vashu Bhagnani's Kal Kissne Dekha will be the first movie, which will release after the ban is lifted in two weeks' time and it will release in multiplexes all over.

Numbers game!

For weeks, everyone wondered as to what the profit sharing that the national multiplexes will agree upon. We can now reveal after yesterday's meeting these are the numbers, which have been okayed by both the parties. For the first week: 50%, second: 42.5%, third: 35% and from fourth week onwards, 30% flat.

Other issues

The other main issue: distribution strategy in which the rights to select the number of theatres and prints to be supplied to the multiplexes will only rest with the producer and distributor.

Strike Update: Early next week holds the key

By Taran Adarsh, May 29, 2009 - 10:28 IST

The industry has been agog with talk that the warring factions [producers/distributors - multiplexes] have reached a solution. The truth is, they haven't. The two sides have been talking to each other on a regular basis [the dialogue never stopped], but they haven't reached a consensus yet.

A crucial meeting was held on Wednesday [May 27] at a suburban hotel and the producers/distributors have put forth their terms/demands. The multiplexes were conveyed through Amit Khanna and they [plexes] are supposed to get back, by early next week.

So, Monday/Tuesday is the day when a clearer picture should emerge. That's the latest on this front!