South Indian Film Producers Unite to Safeguard Industry Ecosystem; Steering Committee Formed for New Association
In a pivotal meeting held today at Hotel Dasapalla, representatives from the Producers’ Associations and Guilds of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala—along with leading film producers—convened to discuss the critical challenges facing the film production sector.
During the meeting, the participants unanimously condemned any unilateral decisions taken by other industry stakeholders—specifically regarding film release regulations or the 8-week OTT window—without prior mutual consultation. It was emphasized that the current film production ecosystem, which sustains the livelihoods of thousands of people, cannot be altered abruptly; furthermore, such sudden changes would inevitably create chaos for projects currently at various stages of production.
Key Resolutions of the Meeting:
Formation of the South Indian Film Producers Association: It was unanimously resolved to establish a distinct entity, the South Indian Film Producers Association (SIFPA), to safeguard the long-term interests of producers.
Steering Committee: A high-level Steering Committee, comprising representatives from the four linguistic film industries of South India, has been constituted. This committee will address immediate challenges and foster enhanced cooperation among the four industries and their respective producers.
Advisory to Producers: All member producers are advised to continue adhering to their current film production practices, terms regarding the sale of various rights, and release schedules as per their own discretion. They are instructed to operate without being bound by any restrictions or regulations imposed by any external organization.
Stance on the OTT Window: Member producers are specifically advised not to issue any letters of undertaking or commitment to any organization or sector at this juncture regarding the mandatory waiting period for OTT releases. All such regulations, aimed at ensuring the financial stability of the production sector, must be determined solely through collective consultation.
The Steering Committee of the newly constituted SIFPA will convene frequently to ensure that the producer—who bears the primary risk within the industry—remains an independent stakeholder in all decision-making processes.
Issued by:
Steering Committee
South Indian Film Producers Association (SIFPA)
Thank you. Regards.
