Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) decided that producers will not release new films in theatres until producers are asked to not pay VPF.Reacting to it, Qube, one of the major DSPs, has come out with a statement condemning TFAPA’s decision. ‘Our industry has faced immense losses over the last seven months due to the lockdown, and will continue to take time to recoup due to being allowed to operate at only 50 per cent capacity for the time being. Qube Cinema had initially and proactively announced a 50 per cent reduction in VPF during this period, which was later amended to 60 per centafter pressure from the TFAPA, who now insist on a complete elimination of the fees’.
‘Both the Central and State governments have supported the view that the tradition of new releases for Deepavali should continue this year, which is why the boycott by the TFAPA is not only unethical towards theatres and digital cinema providers but also unfair to audiences. It is our understanding that producers who have been eager to release new films have been pressured to conform to the boycott. The TFAPA is leveraging this unprecedented period of struggle in order to gain as many concessions from theatres and digital service providers as possible for itself, without regard for how it affects the industry at large or the cinema audience’.
‘The theatre experience simply cannot be replicated at home or on streaming platforms, and the satisfaction of the audience is our ultimate goal. We have already offered a significant compromise in the VPF charges as digital service providers, and it is vital that producers agree to it rather than threaten the livelihoods of vulnerable theatres. This is a time when the industry must come together to ensure that cinema survives, and we are shocked by the TFAPA’s opportunistic demands,’ their statement read.