Tamil Film Producers Council to halt film-related work from November 1

The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) will temporarily halt the commencement of all new film projects from August 16 and halt all film-related activities from November 1.

The idea is to clear backlogs of films stuck in various stages of filmmaking and check the rising cost of production due to artist remuneration and other expenses.

A meeting was held in Chennai, which saw office bearers from the Tamil Film Producers’ Council, Tamil Film Producers’ Association, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, Tamil Nadu Theatre Multiplex Owners Association, and Tamil Nadu Film Distributors’ Association.

At the meeting, the issue of actors and technicians ‘abandoning’ ongoing projects after receiving advances was raised, as it causes producers significant losses.

Any actor or technician who has received an advance will now have to complete the project before moving on to a new one.

It was unanimously agreed that films featuring leading stars would be released on OTT platforms only 8 weeks after theatrical release. This resolution ensures that the theatrical business of big-budget films doesn’t die, ensuring long box office runs for such films.

Due to the congestion of completed films awaiting theatrical windows for release, the TFPC has established new guidelines. To address the backlog, new film projects will be halted starting on August 16 this year.

Producers now need to formally inform the TFPC of the details of their ongoing projects via official letters.

Per the resolution, all work-in-progress projects should be completed by October 30 this year.

From November 1, all film-related activities, including shooting, will be halted. The council aims to restructure and regulate expenditures related to actors’ salaries and other production expenses to maintain the financial health of the Tamil film industry.