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From theindianentertainment.com ● Volume No: I-37 pickle● June 10-29, 2007 ● New Delhi ●

Americanizing Shelly Producer to vist in July

Producer-Screenwriter-Actor NAMRATA SINGH GUJRAL as Shelly in the Indian immigrant comedy Americanizing Shelly. The film got a decent box office return in the US. Sales agent Idream Independent Pictures did brisk overseas sales of Shelly at Cannes. Turn to page 3

Bridging US & India American Pride Films is keen to co-produce and offshore work with Indian showbiz companies

os Angeles-based American sector,'' says Namrata -- an accom- Pride Films Group (APFG) is plished South Asian actress in the US, keen to do business with film appearing in numerous TV shows and directors and producers in manages AFPG as its president. ``We We want to India. The company has visu- want to take Indian film directors and alisedL a huge entertainment offshore exhibit their talent in the US.'' APFG's take Indian opportunity between US and India. tasted success in its recent production AFPG President Namrata Singh Gujral Americanizing Shelly ( from the director film (Shalini Singh/Shelly in Americanizing of The Sopranos). The company is cur- directors to Shelly) will be in Mumbai early July to rently producing Still, a science fiction meet with Indian showbiz companies thriller and a war film, Red, White and work with ace and film directors. Located in the heart Blue, based on Iraq. Namrata is also of Hollywood, APFG has positioned it- looking for an Indian co-financier for professionals self as a entertainment studio (offer the film on Iraq and has zeroed in to do everything that a major Hollywood stu- some of the shooting in Rajasthan, in the US and dio provides -- outside of the studio sys- India (Sahara desert). APFG tem at competitive ``independent'' proj- exhibit their ect prices). ``We see a lot of new oppor- Email: president@americanpride- talent tunities and synergies between India films.com to set up a July meeting in and the US in the filmed entertainment Mumbai with Namrata..

1 pickle June 10-29, 2007 ● New Delhi● India

There has been no blockbusters in 2007. But ... INDIA IS HOT And top in film investor’s radar India’s Filmed entertainment space is gaining momentum in the global minds. Look at the new developments... WALT DISNEY TO MUKESH AMBANI INDIA IN LONDON’S WORK WITH TO PUMP $60 MN ALTERNATIVE YASHRAJ IN INDIA IN YASHRAJ JV INVESTMENT MART WALT DISNEY Studio in At this point of time Indian filmed enter- collaboration with the heading you have tainment companies Yashraj Films has tar- just read looks like a are flocking to the get ed to make one rumour but is all set to London's Alternative 1 animation film a year. 2 become true in the 3 Investment Market. The first venture coming months. listings. The market Roadside Romeo ($4- Reliance Retail, capitalization of Eros $10m), will be an animated tale fea- associate of Entertainment is close to $950 mil- turing the voices of stars (Spearheaded by Mukesh AmbanI) lion. It got listed in the London's and Karrena Kapoor. and YASHRAJ FILMS are likely to set up AIM on July 4, 2006. TV 18's Indian Both companies will be equal part- joint venture to set up a chain of Film Co through their recent AIM ners in the venture and will con- multiplexes across the country. It is a debut raised $109 million. tribute creative, technical and finan- well-known fact that Yashraj Films UTV plans to raise $80 million. cial support to the project. Each film have had troubles multiplex chains in Chandigarh-based animation out- under this alliance will be creatively the country. In recent times it has sourcing company Compact Disc overseen by and been the dream of Aditya Chopra to India is all set to raise $50 million worked on with an inventive array of own multiplexes and there cannot be through this route. leading local talent. The first film to a better synergy to do biz with Theatre chain Pyramid Saimira is be co-produced in this alliance will be Mukesh Ambani. His younger brother all set to enter AIM raising $150 mil- Roadside Romeo, set to release in owns majority stake in Adlabs lion. Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp is 2008. The film will be produced by Cinema , spread across the country. considering a move to enter AIM. Aditya Chopra and will utilize state- Once this venture takes off, it will London is also the biggest grosser of-the-art computer animation rewrite the existing showbiz rules in for overseas collections of Indian technology done entirely in India. India.Watch out more on this space. blockbusters.

SONY, PARAMOUNT,WARNER MURDOCH OKAYS FOX TO TESTING MOVIES IN INDIA PRODUCE MOVIES IN INDIA ENTERTAINMENT has Rupert Murdoch's TWENTIETH CENTURY already announced their first Indian FOX will soon venture to do domestic co-production in collaboration with movie production in India. The News film director for Corp chairman has given green signal 4 the film Saawariya (to be released by 5 for Twentieth Century Fox to bet on end 2007). It has fresh stars Ranbir India's movie mart. Murdoch doesn't Kapoor (son of Rishi Kapoor and believe producing small budget Neetu Singh) and Sonam (daughter of Anil Kapoor). movies, but has advised his people at the WARNER which recently pulled out of many of its international division to look at producing big movie related business in China is busy budget movies out of India. The work has already strengthening its India push. Warner has reportedly begun to chart a long term plan for Twentieth engaged actor for a film to be shot Century Fox in India. For once, he doesn't need to in China under the direction of Sippys. PARAMOUNT worry about foreign direct investment. India follows Studio is already working on an Indian project. The an open door policy for overseas investment in the film will be shot in India. The country's respected film sector. 100 per cent FDI is allowed in film sector line production company has been engaged for this covering film financing, production, exhibition, assignment. marketing and distribution.

2 pickle June 10-29, 2007 ● New Delhi● India David Dhawan’s Partner to hit screens on July 20 Eros Intl bets on Partner With 's career in desperate need to be revived and with virtually no box office draw overseas, Partner is pratically a and David Dhawan vehicle

Stills from David Dhawan’s PARTNER starring Salman Khan, Govinda, Lara Dutta and

ros International has an- But he faces the biggest challenge of office was for Mukta Art's Ek aur Ek nounced the global distribu- his life when he meets hopeless case Gyrah that collected 36470 pounds. It tion of director David Bhaskar (Govinda) for this nerdy guy pails in comparison to the box office Dhawan’s film Partner, pro- has set his eyes on no less than the sway of Salman Khan and David duced by Sohail Khan and K most eligible socialite in town, Priya Dhawan combine. ESera Sera. Jyoti Deshpande, COO, Jaisingh (Katrina Kaif). Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, their last film Eros International commented: “Eros As Prem teaches his worst but most together collected 148,298 pounds in has a long association with David ardent student Bhaskar, he finds him- the opening week. Mujhse Shaadi Dhawan, who is undoubtedly one of self getting involved with journalist Karogi which was released in 2004 the best comedy directors of Naina (Lara Dutta). While Love Guru did an opening week business of Bollywood. We have distributed has succeeded in giving a happy end- 183,473 pounds. In 1999 when many of his films ing to many love stories, he faces an Govinda was the top box office draw, including Shaadi No.1, Ek Aur Ek uphill task when it comes to his own his domestically successful film Gyarah, Jodi No.1, and love life. David Dhawan and Govinda Haseena Maan Jayegi had an opening Biwi No. 1 amongst others. We are were once partners that spelt box of- weekend of 19500 pounds. That very excited about Partner, which we fice success. same year David Dhawan and are distributing globally”. Partner has Today Govinda is piggy riding on Salman Khan combine raked in over the ingredients of a summer smash David Dhawan and Salman Khan's 90000 pound over the opening hit comedy. Love Guru, Prem (Salman back with the film Partner. Govinda’s weekend for Biwi No 1. Khan) likes nothing better than help- biggest ever opening weekend with For trade enquires email: ing lonely souls find their soul mates. David Dhawan at the critical UK box [email protected].

Script of Americanizing Shelly has been invited to the AMPAS Library mericanizing Shelly is learning a thing or two about his the most talked about own life. Their clash in cultures Indian immigrant com- soon gives way to understand- edy in recent times in ing, unity and love as they begin the globar market. The to see the world through each Ascript of the film has been in- other's eyes. The film basically is vited to the Academy of Motion close to "Bend It like Beckham," Pictures Arts and Sciences li- and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding, brary. The film is a contempo- Idream Independent Pictures is rary Pygmalion like comedy, set the sales agent and the response in LA, featuring an American from overseas buyers is out- country boy from the South standing at the Cannes Film and a Himalayan village Market.. It is an American Pride belle, thrown together due Films Group presentation. to unavoidable circumstances. A Still from Americanizing Shelly. It will do well Produced by Namrata Singh Gujral. in the multiplex chains in India Responding to a challenge thrown Executive producers, Joe Cooper, by the CEO of a Hollywood manage- Americanize an Indian girl straight Natasha Gill. Directed by Lorraine ment company (Bridges), from the Himalayas. As he creatively Senna. Americanizing Shelley tells the story of teaches her all about the American Screenplay, Namrata More info at a wanna-be Hollywood player from way of life and what it takes be a www.americanizingshelleythe- the deep South, who sets out to Hollywood celebrity, he ends up movie.com and www.namrata.info.

3 pickle June 10-29, 2007 ● New Delhi● India Major events we recommend you to attend this year Block dates in your diary In its second year, the RomeFilmFest is gearing to have India as the main focus of the festival. India is also the country of honour at MIPCOM at Cannes. Read on

MIPCOM,CANNES necessary infrastructure, including luxurious hotels, exclusive terrazze, OCTOBER 8-12, 2007 famous restaurants and cafes. India will add another feather to its Contact: business@romacine- cap at MIPCOM, the biggest market mafest.org for audiovisual content in Cannes, France. Paul Zilk, CEO, Reed Midem - organizers of MIPCOM-said AFM, CALIFORNIA October 8 has been designated India OCT 31-NOVEMBER 7, 2007 Day. ``Our aim is to make the world Over 8,000 industry leaders con- aware of the Indian media and en- verge in Santa Monica for eight days tertainment industry and take it to of deal-making, screenings, semi- the next level. MIPCOM will attempt nars, red carpet premieres, network- at opening a window of opportuni- Top: Kaushik Roy's Apna Asman will be ing and parties. Participants come ties for content providers in India to screnned at the Stuttgart Film Festival from from over 70 countries and include forge partnerships in areas like co- July 11-15, 2007. Sixty Indian films will be acquisition and development execu- productions. MIPCOM is the global screened at Stuttgart, Bottom: Vasantabalan's tives, agents, attorneys, directors, content event for co-producing, buy- Tamil Film Veyil was screened at this month's distributors, festival directors, finan- ing, selling, financing and distribut- Shanghai International Film Festival ciers, film commissioners, producers, ing entertainment content across all writers, the world’s press all those platforms. It provides the key deci- who provide services to the motion sion-makers in the TV, film, digital picture industry. The AFM transforms and audiovisual content, production Santa Monica. The Loews Santa and distribution industry with the Monica Beach Hotel and the Le only market conference and net- Merigot Beach Hotel are converted working forum to discover future into a busy marketplace. All 23 trends and trade content rights on a screens on the Santa Monica global level. Promenade and the surrounding Reed MIDEM has named Leslie community become AFM screening Moonves, President and Chief rooms for the entire eight-day event Executive Officer of CBS and eight digital and video screen- Corporation, MIPCOM 2007 the gamble paid off. ing rooms are added just for the Personality of the Year. Leslie Not a traditional market, but never- AFM. Participants may view more Moonves will receive the accolade theless with all its facilities, The than 900 screenings of approxi- on October 9th during a gala dinner Business Street represents a different mately 500 films - 31 new films for leading industry executives, as way to serve the international film every two hours - the majority of part of the 23rd MIPCOM. business community. them world or U.S. premieres. FICCI is coordinating the India re- Fellini's Via Veneto is the ideal loca- lated events at MIPCOM for confer- tion, not just for its evocative power, Web address: www.iftaonline.org ences and India Day at Cannes. but also because it provides all the The event diary will Continue Register before July 19th 2007 to avail early bird rate of Euros 980,.72 (includes tax). ROME FILM FEST THE BUSINESS STREET OCTOBER 18-21, 2007

Rome is now the perfect place to talk business, watch movies and fi- nalize deals during the fall festival season. A winning blend of a re- 150 films and now in its 38th year laxed atmosphere, careful organiza- IFFI, GOA the festival is a world class event. tion and wonderful locations. NOV 23-DEC 3, 2007 Concurrent to the festival, The Business Street, a success made The International Film Festival of Confederation of Indian Industry possible thanks to the trust and the India (IFFI), Goa, held annually for organises India-The Big Picture commitment of the film industry ten days in Nov-Dec showcases the conference focusing on Indian around the world: 447 professionals best of Indian and international filmbiz. Also look for Film Market and 230 international companies Cinema. The festival screens over around the fest. attending, 130 screenings organized in 12 fully-equipped venues prove

4 pickle June 10-29, 2007 ● New Delhi● India A review of what India did at the Cannes Film market India’s new Cannes script This was the first year Indian filmed content really hit the international mainstream market at Cannes

Supran Sen, Secretary General, Film & TV Guild, VB Pyarelal, JS (F) I&B Ministry, Filmmaker Kaushik Roy, I&B Secretary Asha Swarup, Ajay Khanna, deputy director general, CII at the India Party, MaJestic Beach, Cannes

BY RON LAVERY & STEVE BAKOS distributors/sales agents, they also sons for this can be hotly debated, but have to start diversifying their portfo- it does not change the fact that the eing back from the Cannes lio by acquiring "regular" Hollywood process of recouping the investment Film Festival, we can say movies and other good quality prod- for a film has become significantly dif- we're still reeling from the uct form all over the world. At the ferent in the last few years. But actu- experience, in a good way. moment, if we take a close look at ally, India has a competitive advan- The landscape of the the number of Indian and/or tage in this aspect because the cost re- Bworldwide entertainment market is crossover titles with a more main- duction which can be achieved by rapidly changing, and the change stream appeal, it is not enough to shooting and doing the post there cou- surely has huge potential pitfalls but support a successful global opera- pled with the incentives offered by co- also huge opportunities. tion. Partnership with Hollywood production treaties (especially if they This was the first year when Indian would be finally signed and ratified), content really hit the international and considering the fact that many mainstream market. An unprece- Partnership with Indian ventures have to plan for mid- dented number of Indian companies and long term profits, and invest sub- were there as sales agents and tried Hollywood is the stantial capital if they want to grow to their hand at selling their fare to all the level of other well-established in- the buyers. Reactions we heard are way for India to ternational players. In terms of the mixed. Some say they had a good third "P", placement, if we strictly talk market, some say they had a not-so- really secure a about the Cannes market, the booth good market. We know expectations locations of many Indian companies were high, but we experienced this source of the big were less than ideal, but that will im- ourselves with our own indy titles pie. This is bound prove in the coming years, these ten-fifteen years ago: it takes time crowded marketplaces always award and effort to establish oneself on the to happen the not so ideal locations to newcom- international marketplace. ers. Finally, a few words about promo- If we approach this from the per- tion: India surely knows how to pres- spective of the traditional description means that the Indian stars will be- ent itself, no doubt about that. The of the marketing mix (the 4 Ps: prod- come international stars, the product Indian pavilion, the parties hosted and uct, price, place, promotion), the pic- will become internationally known events organized by the different enti- ture looks pretty good, although and can demand license fees in the ties, the paid advertisements were all there is room for improvement. same tier with US movies, which top of the line, world-class promo- The product: As everybody can brings us to the pricing question. tional tools that conveyed the eco- see, there is definitely a market for Comparing the prices between last nomic and cultural power of the re- pure Bollywood movies, but outside years' AFM, Cannes, it's baffling to see gion very well. the traditional audience and a small that in only six months, the numbers aficionado circuit, the possibilities are for almost all territories have halved. (Ron & Steve are from WestHam Films, fairly limited. If Indian companies Prices are constantly falling for many US. They represent Indian films in the want to become serious international years, and the real or imagined rea- global market as sales agents)

5 pickle June 10-29, 2007 ● New Delhi● India

MARKET INDICATORS PICKLE DIGEST Media & Entertainment Companies traded in the Bonbay Stock Exchange (value in Rs and crore) Shemaroo premieres Apne Company June 29 (1200 hrs) P/E Ratio at Canada and US Adlabs Films 567.85 89.63 Bag films 44.35 110.85 Canada is increasingly becoming a premier hub for Balaji Telefilm 222.15 26.70 Indian cinema. While Maniratnam’s Guru was pre- Cinemax India 158.00 14.02 miered at Toronto and New York, Shemaroo Entertainment, which has the overseas rights of Apne Crest Animation 125.30 131.89 has zeroed in Cyber Media 112.00 23.14 Vancouver and Deccan Chronicle 235.00 14.24 San Francisco. ETC Networks 56.00 11.43 Shemaroo has ENT Network India 528.50 132.46 used family Galaxy Ent. 132.00 125.71 bonding as a HT Media 235.90 19.86 theme line in Inox Leisure 134.75 45.99 their campaign JagranPrakashan 475.00 68.44 to push the K Sera Sera 18.80 4.28 movie. Apne is released in 12 Mid Day Multimedia 50.35 27.66 overseas coun- Moser Baer 467.25 — tries.Apne will see Dharmendra with both his sons on Mukta Arts — — screen for the first time. The film is also likely to do well NDTV 419.70 -392.24 in UK where majority of the diaspora would watch the Prime Focus 787.00 62.61 movie to witness the comeback of Dharmendra. PVR 204.30 89.61 For trade related queries write to Pritish Nandy 89.30 23.26 [email protected] Pyramid Saimira 338.45 319.29 Sahara One 351.00 81.63 Saregama India 327.00 64.12 Shringar Cinema 58.25 -37.58 Sun TV 1607.95 79.29 TV 18 895.60 95.48 TV Today Network 142.95 28.94 54.70 92.71 UTV Software 519.50 — Zee Entertainment 294.25 174.11

this space is available for for $25 per insertion Write to: [email protected] Rajni’s Sivaji will be the biggest grosser in 2007 London AIM Listing (in Pounds) MCAP Sivaji, the most expensive film to be made in India at $20 million by AVM Productions in all probabil- Eros Intl 391.00 430.73mn ity will be the biggest grosser in India this year Indian Film Co — — with $ 60 million. Sivaji is screnned in 900 screens UTV — — across the world and has done exceptionally well in many non-traditional territories. The film has al- ready hit the Internet piracy zone and many have CONTACT INFORMATION downloaded the movie. Sivaji will also be Send your letters, views, suggestions to screened in international festivals including the The Editor Designed by one at Japan this year. Sivaji will remain aneeta.saha Rajnikanth’s best acts in all times to come. PICKLE @gmail.com email: [email protected] BY THE NUMBERS 95 countries have been invited to submit one film for Oscar nomination in the foreign-language film category at the 80th Academy Awards set for Feb 24, 2008. The picture should have been released between Oct 1 2006 and Sep 30, 2007. The submitted film should have been screened in a commercial thetre for 7 consequtive days. Entry forms and film prints to Academy by Oct 1, 2007

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