On Sunday, the South Indian Film Producers Association took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the ongoing issue regarding films’ OTT windows. The body shared a letter addressed to producers, exhibitors and distributors. “The SIFPA today specifically addressed the recent embargoes issued by certain associations in Tamil Nadu that restrict the release of films unless Producers sign an 8-week OTT window commitment.” The note cited “risk and uncertainty”, “rejection of unilateralism”, “call for stakeholder consultation”, “status quo directive”, and “advisory to members” as the decisions that followed the meeting held in Hyderabad. Of these, the primary reason for the objection was that “The South Indian film industries are navigating unprecedented financial uncertainty. Producers are already facing significant hurdles in the sale of non-theatrical rights; any rigid embargoes on release timelines will severely hamper the industry's recovery and viability.”
It also reiterated that “until the joint meeting on May 10th, no unilateral implementation of demands, including seeking OTT window confirmation letters from Producers, should be pursued by any exhibitor/distributor association.” The meeting was called to “ensure fair play for all sectors-Producers, Distributors, and Exhibitors—no sector can take unilateral decisions that impacts the entire ecosystem without a formal consultative process.” It also called for “the existing ecosystem to not be disturbed overnight, as this would be chaotic for films at various stages of production.”
In March, film exhibitors from across South India had proposed a uniform eight-week release window on OTT. These exhibitors had called for a blanket window before any film begins to get streamed on the various OTT sites.
The South Indian Film Producers Association or SIFPA comprises of the Telugu Film Producers Council, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, Tamil Film Producers Council, Tamil Film Active Producers Association, and Kerala Film Producers Association. The body also called for a joint stakeholder meeting on May 10.
The South Indian Film Producers Association or SIFPA comprises of the Telugu Film Producers Council, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, Tamil Film Producers Council, Tamil Film Active Producers Association, and Kerala Film Producers Association. The body also called for a joint stakeholder meeting on May 10.