Kerala film body threat to stop production

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the apex body of the associations of film producers, distributors and exhibitors in the state, has threatened to stop all the shooting and post-production related work from March 8.

This is to protest "the escalating cost of production in the Malayalam film industry."

Speaking at a press conference here on Saturday, KFCC president Siyad Kokker raised objections to the decision of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) to take part in the star night programme being organised by a private Malayalam television channel on March 7.

By taking this decision, the artistes have violated the agreement arrived at with the film chamber last year that they would take the consent of KFCC before participating in any public programmes like star nights, which might be telecast by major channels, he said.

The agreement was part of a settlement signed by film artistes and producers to bring down production costs.

He said the payment to the artistes now amount to around 40 to 60 per cent of the entire production costs.

"This should be brought down to around 25-30 per cent. Unless production costs are reduced, it is difficult for us to survive," he said.

The chamber is now considering fixing a ceiling on the remuneration to be paid to the film artistes, including the superstars, he said.

KFCC would hold a convention on February 12 at the Ernakulam Town Hall and submit a memorandum to the state government seeking tax-free status for all Malayalam movies and reduction in electricity tariff for cinema halls.