Pickle Berlinale Edition

VISIT INDIA PAVILION: STAND 111 MGB F eb ru a ry 2014

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10 Indian films are at the Berlin International Film Festival

1 460 screenings

BERLINALE’s DISCOVERY OF INDIA

AIM HIGH ER

MAY 14

- 23,

2014

+ Bronx (Paris) www.bronx.fr

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Thanks to festivals like Berlinale, a new breed of filmmakers has emerged from India. And interestingly, mainstream Bollywood is joining them, strengthening the global reach of Indian cinema

16/01/14 15:21

01-02-2014 18:25:49

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MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE IN PICKLE APRIL 2014 MIPTV ISSUE.

INDIAN DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIAL

Pickle reaches out to audio visual companies in over 50 countries; Targets global buyers and distributors; Film Festivals and markets; Animation production companies; Global companies looking at offshoring from India; Co-production seekers and location service providers. Pickle business guide tracks the entertainment business in India.

INDIA AND BEYOND 37

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VISIT INDIA PAVILION: STAND 111 MGB F eb ru a ry 2014

70 7 11

ts n pa i ic t r pa

20 19

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ors t i b exhi 400

10 Indian films are at the Berlin International Film Festival

1 460 screenings

BERLINALE’s DISCOVERY OF INDIA

AIM HIGH ER

MAY 14

- 23,

2014

+ Bronx (Paris) www.bronx.fr

m e in m.co l on il er eduf t s ch gi Re .mar w ww

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Thanks to festivals like Berlinale, a new breed of filmmakers has emerged from India. And interestingly, mainstream Bollywood is joining them, strengthening the global reach of Indian cinema

16/01/14 15:21

01-02-2014 18:25:49

EUROPEAN FILM MARKET

614 Feb 2014

The meetings.

The handshake.

The new film year.

It all starts here.

WWW.EFM-BERLINALE.DE

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S

We can take I sector to $ 1 Monetization in Media will be Our Focus

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at

New Delhi

• • • • • • •

We welcome business delegation from all over the world Meet top India M&E leaders Focused B2B meetings Facilitate studio visits across India Meet M&E offshore companies Meet with Indian buyers Meet with DTH, VOD and digital platform providers

September 19-20 2014

e Indian M&E $ 100 billion

us

at India – The Big Picture Summit 2014 Get in touch Kavita Saini Ph: +91-11 - 45771016 Email: kavita.saini@cii.in Website: www.ciibigpicture.com

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

W

e are happy to present the February edition of Pickle on the occasion of Berlinale and European Film Market 2014. Ten Indian films will be screened in the 64th Berlin International Film Festival and it is a great beginning for Indian Cinema in the New Year. Berlinale’s Discovery of India is our cover theme. It is apt as year-afteryear the festival is spotting talent and giving them a global footprint.

The presence of Indian films Imtiaz Ali’s Highway (Panorama), Jayan Cherian’s Papilio Buddha (Panorama) Pushpenra Singh’s Lajwanti (Forum), Jessica Sadana and Samarth Dixit’s Prabhat Pheri (Forum), Avinash Arun’s Killa (Generation), Gaurav Saxena’s Rangrez (NATive) and two films Mount Song, Blood Earth (Forum Expanded) is very encouraging. Iconic film of Satyajit Ray’s Nayak (Berlinale Classics) and Mani Kaul’s Gashiram Kotwal (Forum) will be screened at Berlin in restored prints. In addition Overdose is in the Co-Production Market and three people in the Berlinale Talent section. All this would not have been possible without Dorothee Wenner, delegate for Indian film selection for Berlinale. Along with Meenakshi Shede, Dorothee has

been vigorously scouting for talented filmmakers’ work to reach to the Berlinale board.

The Indian film fraternity is proud of Dieter Kosslick, festival director, Berlin International Festival Director and Cameron Bailey, festival director Toronto International Film Festival. They have been the biggest ambassadors of Indian cinema in recent years and their passion for Indian cinema is exhibited every year at Berlinale and Toronto. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India has also played a catalyst in this exercise.

At EFM this year, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in association with Confederation of Indian Industry has set up the India Pavilion (Stand 111, MGB). It will have representation from across the country and participation including production companies, line producers, post production studios and exporters. Over 50 Indian film companies are at EFM including major studios.

Our forthcoming print issues in March and April are dedicated to focus on the FICCI FRAMES, MIPTV and NAB SHOW. Feel free to email your thoughts and suggestions.

n vidyasagar pickle media nvidyasagar@gmail.com, www.picklemag.com Pickle Volume VII 7th edition Published by Pickle Media Private Limited Email: natvid@gmail.com ● Mumbai ● Chennai No.2, Habib Complex Dr Durgabhai Deshmukh Road RA Puram CHENNAI 600 028

Printed by Bon Graphics New #7, Arumugam Nagar, Dayalan Garden, Chinna Porur, Chennai – 600 116 Mobile: +91 9884816263 Email: bon_graphics@yahoo.co.in

Editorial Coordinators : M Sai Email: natvid@gmail.com

For advertising: natvid@gmail.com

C

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Pickle Handbook 2013 Copyright 2013 by Pickle Media Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Pickle is an ad supported business guide tracking the filmed entertainment business in India. This is a curtain raiser issue for CII Big Picture Summit 2013.

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Layout Design: M Agnes Julie Consulting Photo Editor: K K Laskar

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The advances at play in media and entertainment have created unprecedented opportunity for you to deliver innovation to the connected consumer. The digital insight you need to accomplish your goals — and play to win — is here.

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INDIA @ EFM SHABNAM

ENGAGING WITH INDIA EROS INTERNATIONAL Eros International Media operates on a vertically integrated studio model managing content as well as distribution and exploitation across all formats globally, including cinema, digital, home entertainment and television syndication. It has over 1900 films in its library and is at EFM with new Bollywood films.

CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering industry, Government, and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes. CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led and industry managed organization, playing a proactive role in India’s development process. Stand 111, MGB

FOX STAR STUDIOS Fox Star Studios India is a joint venture between 20th Century Fox and STAR, Asia’s leading media conglomerate, to produce world-class local-language films for worldwide distribution. Fox Star is at EFM with half-a-dozen library titles and films in production.

RDB ENTERTAINMENT Producers of over 40 films including six classic films by Satyajit Ray. The six Ray films include Charulata and Mahanagar, both of which won the Silver Bear at The Berlin Film Festival in the 1960s. The negatives of all the six films have been ‘frame by frame’ restored in 2k resolution.

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DAR MOTION PICTURES DAR Motion Pictures is a wholly owned subsidiary of investment advisory and private equity firm, DAR Capital Group. DAR Motion Pictures is a full-function production house backed by strong in-house, institutional and partner driven financial capabilities.

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Visible Indian Showbiz Presence at Berlinale PVR PICTURES PVR currently operates a cinema circuit consisting of 398 screens spread across 92 cinemas covering 37 cities in India. PVR is the dominant leader and commands 30-35 per cent share of box office collections for Hollywood movies in India & 20-25 per cent share of Bollywood movies. Kamal Gianchandani is at EFM.

ULTRA DISTRIBUTORS Ultra is a next-generation studio engaged in multiple aspects of entertainment, including full-scale film and television production and distribution, digital media and post production services. Our catalog has over 1500 titles of Indian blockbusters for exploitation in various platforms in the International Market.

STAND: BERLIN MARRIOTT HOTEL, BALLROOM

SIKHYA ENTERTAINMENT

EUROPEAN FILM MARKET

Operating with the principle of ‘etting new benchmarks’, Sikhya Entertainment and AKFPL, associate companies, are one of India’s prominent production houses supporting independent cinema. Set up by producer Guneet Monga and writer-director Anurag Kashyap, the organization seeks to see great content through.

From its Inception, Development, Production to the final release.

614 Feb 2014

OVERDOSE ART Overdose is a fiercely independent film production house based in Kolkata. They create locally rooted but globally relevant feature films, documentaries, music videos and potent virals, and are committed to producing original content that pushes boundaries.

They have an eclectic network of artists, technicians, distributors, commissions, broadcasters, and a loyal fan base across the globe.

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BOMBAY BERLIN FILM PRODUCTION BBFP produces films and documentaries, offers Co-Production and line production services for feature films/documentaries to be shot in India and Europe and consulting services for international film festivals including world sales, promotion and distribution.

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INDIA @ EFM SHABNAM

INDIA PAVILION @ EFM India is making a splash at the 64th Berlinale with all round visibility at the Panaroma Section, Forum, Generation, Talent Campus, NATive, and the European Film Market. Here is a primer on the India Pavilion at Stand 111, MGB

T

he Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in association with Confederation of Indian Industry will participate in the 64th Berlin International Film Festival and European Film Market, from (February 6-14, 2014) to project Indian cinema, facilitate to syndicate and market Indian films and film services in India.

Over 50 Indian companies are at Berlin during this year’s European Film Market. Almost all major Indian film studios are at Berlin with their library catalogue and films in production. Over 50 brand new films are looking for sales and syndication from the market. Halfa-dozen Indian buyers are looking for acquisition from the market and festival selections.

The India Pavilion at EFM will provide a platform for the Indian filmmakers and producers (mainstream and independent) to market Indian films with international territories and engage in co-production with Europe. The objective is to boost the profile of Indian films, facilitate business to business meetings, production services and Indian locales to the world.

The India Pavilion will have representation from across the country and participation including production companies, line producers, post production studios and exporters. There would be a team available for answering queries from delegates. Shooting location guides and tourism brochures would be kept in India pavilion for distribution to delegates.

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The objective behind the participation is to promote Indian Films across linguistic cultural and regional diversity so as to forge an increasing number of international partnerships in the realms of distribution, production, filming in India, script development and technology, thereby accelerating the growth of film sector in India.

Engaging and Interactive networking sessions are being planned at the India pavilion with international delegates on single window clearance for filming in India, co-production and anti-piracy.

Interactive sessions at the India Pavilion will also focus on 100 Years of Indian Cinema, Sunrise Sector Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects and documentary movement in India.

A series of activities are being planned at the Indian Embassy during the Berlin International Film Festival and EFM to showcase Indian soft power during the festival.

Indian States will display their exquisite and unique locations in an exhibition at the embassy. Popular main-stream as well as regional movies will be screened at the Embassy.

Over 50 Indian showbiz companies are at Berlin during this year’s European Film Market LIKE PICKLE IN FACEBOOK

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29-09-2013 10:47:27

MARKET LEADER

EFM: Enterprising & Entertaining

Beki Probst Director, European Film Market

We will talk to our clients during and after the EFM to see what new services we can provide in the future. Our goal is to always meet the needs of our participants, says Beki Probst, Director, European Film Market

How has EFM shaped this year? There is optimism in the industry and it is a great sign in the beginning of the year‌ Being the first Market of the year, it comes with the privilege that all hopes are high. The new film year starts at the EFM - the industry gets a first overview of new films on offer. It’s an optimistic atmosphere. The industry is alive and kicking, we again have a raise in exhibiting companies, more exhibition space, more sold Market Badges.

What are the signals and trends that you could see in the industry today?

The signal is clearly one of a changing industry - considering the traditional film business. Experienced professionals are adapting to new business models, finding new release strategies, and keeping up with the digital developments. At the same time, more and more representatives from other industry sections like VOD are participating in the market.

This year, we have only one last 35mm copy screened at the EFM . Clearly a new era in media has started.

Sales activity depends on the buyers and the films that they are looking for. Until now, we have the same number of buyers registered as last year. Also, we notice an increase in VOD buyers this year.

How do you see developments on the digital front? Is the multi screen platform reflected at EFM? All our cinemas are digitally equipped now. That was the first important adjustment we had to make, and we managed it well - together with the Festival.

We will talk to our clients during and after the EFM to see what new services we can provide in the future. Our goal is to always meet the needs of our participants.

What are the three or four challenges bothering the film industry right now?

Traditional film industry has to keep up with evolving new digital platforms and resulting changes in licensing.

On India at EFM? We hope India will expand its presence at the EFM in the future.

What is your guess on the sales activity at EFM? What about the buyer presence at EFM?

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EFM Bullish on Business, Brims With Optimism T

he 64th Berlin International Film Festival European Film Market (EFM) is set to go for 2014. EFM is one of the most important platforms for international trade in film distribution rights and audiovisual content. Taking place from February 6 - 14, EFM opens the international film year. A new initiative with Berlinale Talents, and new features like the Catch-Up Screenings on the second Thursday of the festival, will offer market visitors additional opportunities to establish contacts and do business.

“Our most important goal is to provide EFM participants from all over the world with an ideal framework for their business dealings,” says EFM director Beki Probst. “The fact that our exhibit spaces are again in consistently high demand this year validates our efforts.”

In cooperation with Berlinale Talents, the EFM will also feature an initiative for the up-and-coming generation of market-goers: Under the title “Berlinale Talents Market Hub” - backed by Canon - ten selected distribution professionals from Berlinale Talents will be present at Martin-Gropius-Bau with their own booth, which will also serve as a contact and meeting point. In addition, 40 of the films developed during the Berlinale Talents Project Labs will be presented to EFM visitors.

The EFM will also see a venue change

in 2014. For the first time, the EFM will use five theatres in the newly re-opened Zoo Palast, refurbished with state-of-theart cinema technology. The new location brings the EFM venue total to 39.

At the EFM Industry Debates, in their eighth edition this year, international experts will discuss current industry themes and developments. The official partner of this high-calibre trade event is once again the IFA, in cooperation with Screen International, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

The EFM programme “Meet the Docs” will take place for the sixth time in 2014.

This initiative, a co-operation with the European Documentary Network (EDN), gives the international documentary film trade a meeting point at Martin-GropiusBau. Accredited festival and market visitors can participate here in various panel discussions, individual meetings with international documentary film festivals, documentary film project consulting talks, and networking events.

German cinema highlights from 2013 are offered in the EFM series German Cinema - LOLA@Berlinale , taking place in 2014 at the Zoo Palast. EFM participants and international buyers will be able to view films longlisted for the nomination for the German Film Award with English subtitles.

Everything you need as a film professional is here, re-introduce yourself to cinando.com Powered by the Festival de Cannes with the support of:

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09-02-2014 19:32:26

NEW WAVE

The Changing Face of Indian Cinema The biggest shift in Indian cinema in recent times is taking place, in a strong and steady manner. Young talents are emerging from different parts of India and they are making a splash in the industry. Insiders at leading film studios are overwhelmingly convinced to support this new breed of filmmakers Agra-born Pushpendra Singh, Director, Lajawanti (Forum) after studying at the Film & Television Institute of India in Pune, began a career as an actor. He then went on to work as a director’s assistant.

Currently he teaches at the Film and Television Institute of India. Lajawanti is his first feature film.

Kerala-born Jayan Cherian (director Papilio Buddha, Panorama Section) made several successful short films which have screened at international festivals and won a number of prizes. He has also published four award-winning volumes of poetry.

Papilio Buddha is his feature film debut.

Born in Solapur, Avinash Arun (director Killa, Generation Section) studied camera at the Film and Television Institute of India in Maharashtra, graduating in 2011.

His film The Light and Her Shadwos won the Prize in Kodak’s filmschool competition in 2010. Killa is his debut feature film as a director.

Amritsar born Jessica Sadana (director Prabhat Pheri, Forum Section) is currently in her final year of studying film directing at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

Udaipur born Samarth Dixit (director Prabhat Pheri , Forum Section) studied English literature at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, and film editing at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune. He works as editor, assistant director and director. Prabhat Pheri is his first feature film.

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They have been discovered by the Berlin International Film Festival. In the world of Indian cinema which produces thousand films each year spotting talent and giving them a global footprint is quite amazing. The takeaway from a glimpse of their profile shows none of these directors have been born in Indian metros.

And, another major connect between them is many of them are bye-products of Film & Television Institute of India, Pune. FTII Pune, comes under the Government of India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Designed for new generation storytellers, the Institute is for visual and performing artists who share a passion for motion pictures and want to learn more.

Overdose Art’s Kaushik Mukherjee (popularly known as Q) is a discovery by Berlinale. His film Gandu was screened in Berlinale 2011. This year Overdoese Art is at the Berlinale Co-Production Market.

India is giving way to a new breed of filmmakers. Interestingly, the mainstream Bollywood is handholding them into their territory and ready to support their cinematic language. Take for example, Imtiaz Ali’s Highway (Panorama screening). His profile is similar to what you had read in the previous paragraphs. The only difference is the domestic Indian market discovered Imtiaz before Berlin. But if you take a look at this profile -- born in Jamshedpur, Imtiaz studied English literature at Delhi University where he was a founding member of IBTEDA, the Dramatic Society of Hindu College. After moving to Mumbai he began working as LIKE PICKLE IN FACEBOOK

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09-02-2014 19:32:26

India is giving way to a new breed of filmmakers. Interestingly, the mainstream Bollywood is handholding them into their territory and ready to support their cinematic language screenwriter and director and made his directorial debut in 2005 with SOCHA NA THA. He made a name for himself at an international level with JAB WE MET (2007) as well as with LOVE AAJ KAL (2009) and ROCKSTAR (2011). The latter titles won several international awards and were commercial successes.

Kanu Behl’s Titli won the DI Award for the Best Work-in-Progress at NFDC’s Lab Project. Produced by Dibakar Banerjee with backing from Yash Raj Films, Titli revolves around the volatile relationship between two brothers. Currently in postproduction, the film was selected for Film Bazaar’s Work-in-Progress Lab. Behl has worked as assistant and co-writer on Banerjee’s previous features.

Now, Yash Raj Films has joined hands with The Lunchbox fame producer Guneet Monga for Kanu Behl-directed Titli. Monga will help in the international sales, promotion and festival strategies for Titli, which will be presented by YRF. Anurag Kashyap who had conviction to stay course on independent cinema is now helming Fox Star Studios’ Bombay Velvet, part of a planned trilogy on Mumbai. Take Nawazuddin Siddiqui. By starring in independent films he is preparing for his next avtar and he has all the calibre of becoming the next Shah Rukh Khan.

This is the beginning of the biggest shift that Indian cinema in recent times. Insiders at leading film studios are overwhelmingly convinced to support this new breed of filmmakers. Studios also

have a gameplan as they could support and build library catalogue. Although there is a predictability of a Shah Rukh Khan or an Aamir Khan bringing back bucks from box office leading producers are preparing for a long term strategy.

One of the reasons all leading celebrity stars are ageing and producers can make around 20 films with emerging filmmakers in the budget of doing a star lead film.

In fact, we expect a trend to catch up with these stars to support filmmakers. It is already on the works.

We believe in comments by European ProducerPierre Assouline in his Pickle Column.

The current of contemporary Indian cinema, the emerging director-driven New-Cinema (some might go to the extent of calling it New-Wave), away from the copy/remake syndrome and the Star system where the Art chews the already chewed under the dictate of brand-endorsing addicts. It is due to a lack of means and support that emerging new cinema has failed to impose itself earlier in Europe. The works of the Anurag Kashyaps, Zoya Akhtars, Sooni Taraporevalas, Sudhir Mishras, Dibakar Banerjees, Rajat Kapoors were not even available on the pirated DVD shelves between achars and papadams in the Paris Gare du Nord district cash and carry shops. Things are changing.

Welcome to the new wave of Indian cinema.

Everything you need as a film professional is here, re-introduce yourself to cinando.com Powered by the Festival de Cannes with the support of:

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INDIAN FILMS AT BERLIN FESTIVAL

HIGHWAY A young city girl, full of life, is on the highway at night, with her fiancĂŠ.

Suddenly, her life changes when she is abducted by a group of rustic criminals and her life will never be the same again. Panic strikes among the kidnappers, when they realise the girl is a daughter of a leading Industrialist with strong political connections. But the leader of the group is adamant to go ahead with the plan. Days pass, as the Tempo runs and miles turn, and after an initial horror of dealing with her rustic captors, the air changes, she feels that she has changed as well. A strange bond begins to develop between her and the oppressor. She starts feeling free in this captivity. She does not want to return and wishes that this journey would never end. But they are not made for each other. Maybe this feeling is just a passing phase. Maybe not.

Director: Imtiaz Ali Producers: Nadiadwala Grandsons Entertainment, Mumbai and UTV Software Communications, Mumbai Contact: +91 9819917235 / Email: Neha.Kaul@disney.com LIKE PICKLE IN FACEBOOK www.picklemag.in 16

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PANORAMA

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KILLA Chinu is having a hard time settling into his new home in the countyside.

He and his mother have relocated there from the big city following his father’s death. The move is supposed to help Chinu get over his loss.

He watches a group of boys playing games in the woods with an older boy named Yuvraj. There doesn’t seem to be any room for him in their gang. Moreover, at school his cleverness makes the others brand him a swot. Only after he gets the notoriously underachieving Yuvraj out of a jam by helping him solve a maths’ problem does Chinu gain admittance into the clique. But can a genuine friendship develop so quickly? Told in atmospherically charged images in which the weather and landscape also play an important role, Chinu is called upon to find his feet; in doing so he distances himself from his mother who is also struggling to cope with the new situation. Both make a terrible mistake – and are forced to realise that they are alone. Perhaps what they both need is another new beginning.

Director: Avinash Arun Contact: Email: a.mcalex@gmail.com 18

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09-02-2014 19:32:28

GENERATION

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09-02-2014 19:32:29

FORUM

LAJWANTI Drawing on unadorned images of striking clarity and gleaming colours, this adaptation of a Rajastani folk tale narrates the love story between a young woman named Lajwanti and a mysterious man with an obsession for doves.

Based on a story by legendary writer Vijaydan Detha, this love story set in Rajashtan’s Thar desert. A group of conservative women on their daily long trek to collect water enjoy their brief parole from scrutiny by doffing their veils reciting songs and talking of hidden desires. But hidebound Lajwanti keeps her veil and as the others mock her, she follows but at a distance. When a strange man crosses their path, Lajwanti is struck by his silent commitment to collecting doves. This encounter starts Lajwanti on a startling journey of self-discovery.

Director: Pushpendra Singh Contact: +91 9167822279 / Email: greatgabbar@gmail.com

NATive

RANGZEN Tashi is a little boy from Tibet who lives in the Indian town of Dharamshala. On his way home from school he is surprised by a peaceful demonstration. Everyone is waving flags and monks are carrying banners and pictures of the Dalai Lama. Others are banging on drums and shouting slogans: ‘We want freedom!’ The roads are lined with police officers with serious-looking faces. It is the anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising of 1959. At the time many people had to flee from Tibet and found refuge in Dharamshala. But little Tashi doesn’t really understand any of that. He knows that he is a refugee, but what does that mean?

Later, on the outskirts of town recovering from the hurly burly, a friend explains: refugees are people forced by others to leave their home. The English word ‘refugee’ begins with an ‘r’ – just like the Tibetan word for freedom: ‘rangzen’.

Director: Gaurav Saxena Contact: +91 22 28811619 / gauravsax@gmail.com

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09-02-2014 19:32:31

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09-02-2014 19:32:32

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09-02-2014 19:32:33

PAPILIO BUDDHA

PANORAMA

Written and directed by Jayan K. Cherian Produced by Silicon Media in association with Kayal Films. Director of Photography: M J Radha Krishnan. is a feature film shot in Wayanadu, Kerala, India The film explores the life of a group of displaced Dalits in the Western Ghats of India and probes the new identity politics.

Strikingly photographed, this film ignores political taboos to describe how a Dalit community struggles against suffocating tradition.

Contact: +91 9880115618 / Email: info.siliconmedia@gmail.com

BLOOD EARTH

FORUM EXPANDED

Kucheipadar, a Khonda tribal village in Odisha, India, is a bauxite-rich block that since India’s economic liberalisation has been the subject of violent conflict between Adivasis and a mining venture. The singing of songs has come to articulate creative forms and political structures that steered a resistance movement from subalternity, through solidarity and into dissolution. Blood Earth interweaves the efforts to record song, farming, village life and a political meeting to improvise a junction between voice, music, silence, sound and noise.

Director: Kush Badhwar

PRABHAT PHERI

FORUM

A documentary portrait of the legendary Prabhat studios in Pune, which are now home to the Indian National Film Archive and Institute. A piece of Indian film history is brought to life in anecdotes from former employees and film excerpts. The film is an treasure chest brimming with film historical gems, whose beauty can be appreciated by laypeople and experts alike.

Director: Jessica Sadana, Samarth Dixit Contact: +91 11 41826115 / Email: info@psbt.org

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09-02-2014 19:32:33

NAYAK

BERLINALE CLASSICS

This artful and critical film is something of a biopic, as it is loosely based on the life of lead actor Uttam Kumar.

Nayak was the winner of the Critics’ Prize (UNICRIT Award) and the winner of the Special Jury Award , besides being nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1966. For the restoration, the original negative was scanned in 2K resolution and then processed frame by frame.

Director: Satyajit Ray Contact: +91 9831011188 / Email: varsha@rdborganization.com

MOUNT SONG

FORUM EXPANDED

A current runs underneath. It creeps under the door, makes its way into the cracks, revealing, obfuscating or breaking as clouds in the sky. Mountain, cave, river, forest and trap door; martial gestures, reiterated, stripped and rendered.

A storm blows through. Here, the surfaces of set-constructions are offered for our attachments.

Director: Shambhavi Kaul

GASHIRAM KOTWAL

FORUM

India before the arrival of the British: based on the play of the same name and shot by a theatre collective, the film depicts the crisis of the Peshwa/Marati era and reinterprets a piece of Indian history.

Produced by the Yukt Film Co-operative under the direction of K. Hariharan and Mani Kaul, it is based on the play of the same name by Vijay Tendulkar, whose real-life historical inspiration was the biography of influential minister Nana Phadnavis (1741–1800).

Director: Krishnan Hariharan, Mani Kaul Contact: +49 30 26955100 mail@arsenal-berlin.de

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09-02-2014 19:32:34

LEADER SPEAK

Our strength is emotions and that’s what connects our audiences 26 entertainment biz guide to our pickle films Pickle_February_2014_Inner 1 - 48.indd 26

Avtar Panesar VP International Operations Yash Raj Films

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09-02-2014 19:32:36

Taking Bollywood to World Yash Raj Films’ Dhoom 3 has become the biggest film in the history of Indian cinema domestically and internationally. We must be doing something right. It’s nice to be accepted by the audiences on our terms globally, says Avtar Panesar, YRF’s VP International Operations How does 2014 look for Yash Raj Films after phenomenal success of YRF’s Dhoom 3 in both international and domestic markets?

The year is looking very good, with a great mix of films. We have a mixed bag of big commercial films as well as smaller films like Dibakar Bannerji’s Titli, which is already getting attention in the festival circuits and of course we’re delighted that our US film Grace of Monaco will be the opening film at Cannes this year.

What is the response of Dhoom 3 in European territories? Give some insights. Has it built scale in its international reach?

The film has become the biggest movie of all time in all key markets and we’re delighted with that. The film has opened to a fantastic response both in Germany and France. We have opened it in Romania and getting great reviews and we are building this market with each film since Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Russia is next.

We have been able to use this to crack new markets and the support it received from International press coverages has been a very important tool.

What is your plan for your new film Gunday in the international markets?

Gunday is a throwback with contemporary storytelling and we are looking forward to releasing the film in around 40 International markets day and date. The film is about two kids who cross over from Bangladesh in the 70’s and traces their journey from Refugees to becoming the most loved and revered Outlaws of Calcutta. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra and Irfan Khan with Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor

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playing the Gunday. Gunday is classic bollywood at its best.

You have been an advocate of creating a brand identity for Indian films in the global market place…

Indian films have now certainly made a place for themselves on the global stage.

We still have a long way to go for us to start doing major business globally, beyond the diaspora. Dhoom 3 has done $27 million from the diaspora. The day we can start doing this or more from the non-diaspora is the day we can say with some degree of satisfaction that we have made a mark.

What is unique about India?

India is known for its diversity and culture and the great thing is that we have so many stories to be told. The exciting thing is that not all these can be made in to big event films, and so it gives us opportunities to tell all kinds of stories at all levels. Titli is one such story which turns the family value system on its head and tells a very compelling tale.

Is Bollywood a genre by itself in the global footprint?

Yes indeed, the term Bollywood is certainly a genre and that’s why I feel when the non-traditional audiences see it for what it is, it starts to make sense - I believe we tell global stories but in our own unique way. I always say, we speak a very different cinematic language from the rest of the world and it’s a language that works for us. Fortunately, we have been able to attract some attention in the non-diaspora markets and our films are intriguing these audiences. The unique thing about India or Indian films is that by and large we tell LIKE PICKLE IN FACEBOOK

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09-02-2014 19:32:36

Nicole Kidman starrer GRACE OF MONACO, helmed by the French director Olivier Dahan will be the first ever International film by an Indian studio (YRF Entertainment) to open the Festival de Cannes 2014. Produced by Pierre-Ange Le Pogam, Uday Chopra and Arash Amel, who also wrote the screenplay. The Weinstein Company will distribute the film in the U.S Pickle_February_2014_Inner 1 - 48.indd 28

09-02-2014 19:32:41

human stories and very emotional stories – of course our emotions are over the top but we as people are loud and over the top, we don’t know how to whisper. We tend to speak loudly, that’s the case when we make movies too. Our strength is emotions and that’s what connects our audiences to our films, even an action film like Dhoom 3 had a very emotional track but packaged differently – at its core it wasn’t about the bikes, chases, sexy girls, it was about heart and the emotional ties between brothers. The fact that it has become the biggest film in the history of Indian cinema domestically and internationally makes me feel we must be doing something right. It’s nice to be accepted by the audiences on our terms globally. It’s set in a world you can identify with but still see a film that brings in all the ‘Bollywood’ elements.

Have digital platforms expanded the Indian film content globally? Or is it still dominated by theatrical releases?

For now, its hasn’t replenished the home video business for us and the thrust is still on the theatrical business. For us it’s a slow burn but we hope to see this change in the very near future as the windows shorten.

India is still less than 2% of the global entertainment pie? Although it produces the largest film releases yearafter-year? How do we break this ice of increasing it to 5%?

Well that is going to remain an issue as long as the Indian Rupee is valued at 60 to the US Dollar. Till that happens the revenues will remain a small percentage on the world stage. But we must also look at the admissions in India, which are just phenomenal and will continue to grow as more and more cinemas reach the rural areas. Also, it must be remembered that cinema is still one of the cheapest form of entertainment in India and the poor cannot afford to pay $8 – 12 for a ticket, and it needs to remain in the reach of the common man.

Film festivals like Berlinale, Toronto have played a key role in spearheading Indian cinema?

Yes indeed, and we’re very happy to have had this support from these very prestigious festivals.

Is that limited to particular kind of cinema?

I don’t agree that this is limited at all, I have screened Veer Zaara at Berlin which was classic Bollywood and I have also premiered Kabul Express at Toronto which was anything but Bollywood, so they take films on merit and these platforms have been a great way to showcase our cinema to the world.

Yash Raj Film’s Gunday is set for release on Feb 14.

Gunday is written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar

We can certainly go beyond this and we are. We are now ready to showcase our films earlier than usual so festivals can view them much in advance, we are ready to show our films at festivals and use this route to find a world audience for films that merit this approach. Titli is one such film, we have already started work on this.

Finally, What motivates you in export of Indian film content?

The short answer is the `Bucks`. No, seriously, money is the by product of the success we have seen through taking our films everywhere we can and entertained our audiences. I was part of a team to host a Chinese delegation not too long ago, and the Information Minister from China asked me what was our secret for such consistent success outside of India. I said, it’s really very simple, first we play to our strengths – our strength is the millions of South Asians living outside of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Our first goal is to reach them and entertain them.

If we achieve that goal and reach them even in small markets like, West Indies or East Timor, then we have done our job well. After that secondly we target the new markets and the non-diaspora. If we did it the other way around we might have few big story successes, but suffer with the vast majority of the films.

It’s a great feeling to be at the other end of the world and see your posters being displayed alongside all the mainstream or local films and have families come to see your films as they have been doing for generations. The biggest high for me is that we are spreading Indian culture and language to kids who may never have been to India yet and may not speak the language properly, but are connected with their ancestral motherland through cinema. Having been raised in the UK, I learnt to speak Hindi only by watching Hindi films and listening to Hindi songs – so now it’s my turn to ‘pay it forward’.

Can we go beyond that?

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09-02-2014 19:32:42

Eros: Entertainment Unlimited EROS International’s 2014 Slate is full of interesting films, and the list includes Amitabh Bachchan starrer Sarkaar 3 and Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiyaan EROS International 2014 Slate SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS Farhan Akhtar,Vidya Balan Director: Saket Chaudhary 28 Feb 2014

DISHKIYAAOON

Sunny Deol, Harman Baweja Director: Sanamjit Singh Talwar 21 Mar 2014

HAPPY ENDING Saif Ali Khan, Ileana D’Cruz Director: Raj and DK 28 Mar 2014

DEKH TAMASHA DEKH Satish Kaushik and others Director: Feroz Khan To be Announced

TANU WEDS MANU SEASON 2 R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut Director: Anand Rai To be Announced

KOCHADAIYAAN THE LEGEND

Rajinikanth, Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff, R. Sarathkumar, Nazzer, Aadhi, Shobana and Rukmini Director: Soundarya Rajnikanth Ashwin To be Announced

KU KU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI

Siddharth Gupta, Simran Kaur Mundi Director: Aman Sachdeva To be Announced

PURANI JEANS

SARKAR 3

Aditya Seal Director: Tanushree Basu To be Announced

Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan Director: Ram Gopal Varma To be Announced

RANA (HINDI, TAMIL, TELEGU)

Rajinikanth, Deepika Padukone, Ileana D’Cruz, Sonu Sood Director: K.S Ravikumar Official Website To be Announced

AANKHEEN 2 Abhishek Bachchan Director: Apoorva Lakhia To be Announced

EROS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

KUMAR AHUJA President, Business Development Mob: +91 9820298265 kumar.ahuja@erosintl.com

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ALICE COELHO VP Syndication Sales Mob: +44 79 6464 9700 alice.coelho@erosintl.com

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09-02-2014 19:32:47

Fox Star Studios Makes Smart Moves By tieing up with some of the promising production houses of Indian cinema, Fox Star has an interesting lineup of films for the year ahead Fox Star Studios has a busy release schedule this year. The 2014 plan of Fox Star Studios comprises 9 Hindi films, and four Tamil films. A three film deal with Vishesh Films, a film with Amole Gupte, alliances with Pooja Entertainment and Films Ltd, Phantom Films, Illuminati Films and Endemol India.

In Tamil, the studio has partnered with C V Kumar’s Thirukumaran Entertainment for two films V. Chitram and Mundasupatti, and Cukkoo with Next Big Films.

The studio is also partnering with Atlee Kumar once more. Atlee recently delivered a blockbuster for Fox Star Studios, Raja Rani.

The studio is making a strong statement about scaling up and becoming a key player in the Hindi film industry as also working with diverse talent cutting across genres, said Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios regarding the line-up for 2014.

Some of the confirmed films and their release dates -

• • • • • • • • •

TRAFFIC directed by Rajesh Pillai is slated for release on March 07, 2014 Hawaa Hawaai directed by Amole Gupte would release on April 18, 2014 Hansal Mehta’s City Lights on May 01, 2014 Humshakals directed by Sajid Khan would hit the silver screen on June 20, 2014 Homi Adahania’s Finding Fanny Fernandes on July 04, 2014 Vishal Mahadkar’s Omen Remake on September 18, 2014 Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang will hit the theaters on October 02, 2014 Hamari Adhuri Kahani directed by Mohit Suir on November 07, 2014 Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet will hit the theaters on December 25, 2014

FOX STAR STUDIOS CONTACT

ROHIT SHARMA Head – International Sales & Distribution Mob: + 91 98201 89556 rohits@in.foxstarstudios.com

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KANIKA VASUDEVA Associate Vice President – International Sales & Distribution kanika.vasudeva@in.foxstarstudios.com

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09-02-2014 19:32:48

m B re

Co fil Li N

“T pl ac fo

From UTV to You Disney UTV has unveiled its release slate for 2014, which includes P.K. starring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan starring Kick UTV Disney titles lined up for Indian release this year include Haider, Vishal Bharadwaj’s adaptation of Hamlet starring Shahid Kapoor and Tabu, and Nitin Kakkar’s Filmistaan, which was screened at the Busan and Goteborg film festivals. Here is their impressive list.

Delhi boy - and their journey through love and marriage.

The film is a screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s 2 States: The Story of My Marriage and is being directed by the debutant Abhishek Verman.

PK

Heropanti marks the debut of Tiger Shroff , son of superstar Jackie Shroff and Kriti Sanon in lead roles. Heropanti is directed by Sabbir Khan.

Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra (the team behind the phenomenally successful 3 Idiots) come together with Disney UTV to present P.K!

FILMISTAN Directed by debutant Nitin Kakkar the film is a recipient of critical acclaim & awards at prestigious International Film Festivals along with a National Award in the Best Feature Film category.

The film revolves around a Bollywood buff and wannabe actor who finds himself in trouble in while shooting for a documentary only to realize later that cinema can be the universal panacea for co-existence.

2 STATES 2 States is the romantic story of Alia Bhatt, essaying the role of a Tamil Iyengar girl & Arjun Kapoor playing a

HEROPANTI

KHOOBSURAT Khoobsurat is a remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s hit 80’s film. The film promises to tell the story of a young girl and her love in the stunning locales of royal Rajasthan!

PIZZA (3D) The film unfolds a gripping and mysterious tale of how a pizza delivery boy’s life turns upside down when he goes to deliver pizza to the house from hell. This is followed by a series of strange and mysterious events.

This is a remake of a the super successful Tamil horror film.

KICK Salman Khan teams up with Sajid

DISNEY UTV CONTACT

NEHA KAUL Head - International Distribution Studios Sales neha.kaul@disney.com

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09-02-2014 19:32:49

DISNEY UTV HAS PRODUCED SOME OF THE MOST TRENDSETTING AND CULT MOVIES OF THE PAST DECADE AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT OUR UPCOMING RELEASES WILL KEEP THE SAME TRADITION ALIVE AMRITA PANDEY HEAD, DISNEY UTV DISTRIBUTION Nadiadwala to set your adrenaline racing this Eid with his action film Kick.

The film is a remake of the successful Telugu film also titled Kick, starring sou th superstar Ravi Teja & Ileana D’Cruz.

With Kick, Sajid Nadiadwala makes his directorial debut.

SHATIR A complete entertainer where a short con artist teams up with a long con artist to pull off a con of a life time to bring down one of the biggest mafia dons!

Director Kunal Deshmukh

HAIDER The classic tale of Hamlet comes alive in the mesmerizing locales of Kashmir as Haider. The riveting drama, takes the audiences through the extraordinary life of the protagonists, epic characters, dramatic turns, compulsive plots, and enthralling performances from Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Shradha Kapoor and Kay Kay Menon, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

PHANTOM

(working title) After the incredibly successful ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, Kabir Khan’s brings together

the dashing Saif Ali Khan (Love Aaj Kal, Race 2) and stunning Katrina Kaif (Dhoom 3). Shot across the landscapes of Lebanon, this action packed plot takes us through a thrilling ride and battles counter terrorism. Here is a promise to keep the audiences on the edge of their seats.

JAGGA JASSOOS After the global success of Barfi!, Disney UTV, Anurag Basu and Ranbir Kapoor come together to present the ultimate detective comic caper of 2014 Jagga Jasoos.

FITOOR After the success of critically acclaimed Kai Po Che!, Disney UTV and Aabhishek Kapoor yet again come together to present Fitoor, based on the on screen adaptation of Charles Dickens ‘Great Expectations’ starring the handsome Aditya Roy Kapoor of Aashique 2 fame with the gorgeous Katrina Kaif in lead roles.

ABCD 2 (3D) After the phenomenal success of India’s first ever 3 D dance Film - ABCD, Disney UTV is all set to release ABCD 2, yet directed by ace choreographer and director Remo D’souza and starring the talented Prabhudeva.

Everything you need as a film professional is here, re-introduce yourself to cinando.com Powered by the Festival de Cannes with the support of:

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09-02-2014 19:32:50

Blending INDIA, CHINA ON

Screens

Cindy Shyu Theil, CEO and Chairman, Light House Productions, who is producing India Chinese film Gold Struck with Gayatri Batra of KLEO, says their venture will set a new benchmark and open door to more India-China co-productions in the future What led to the launch of Indian Chinese film production Gold Struck. You had an impressive launch at Cannes last year?

Having lived in Hong Kong for 25 years where there’s Cindy Shyu Theil a large Indian comCEO and Chairman, munity and many Light House Productions i n t e r- m a r r i a g e s between Chinese and Indian people, I was inspired by the harmonious relationship that exists between them for many generations. Not surprisingly these two cultures, with the oldest civilizations, share many common grounds like family traditions, social values and personal aspirations. I believe a film that captures the commonalities between the two cultures, especially if it’s a comedy, would be a bit hit.

At Cannes 2013, we had an impressive launch that generated strong interests from major international studios and

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distribution companies. The general response was overwhelming.

What’s it all about? When will the film go to floor? You have Tony Cheung and Cory Yuen as directors of Gold Struck? Has the Starcast been finalised?

Gold Struck is an action comedy that melds the cultures of two ancient civilizations- China and India, with hilarious results. The two unlikely heroes in this fast-paced tale are MIT nerdy lab partners: Tommy, a Chinese chemistry expert and Sanjay, an Indian computer genius.

Together they work on a secret formula in a lab in Silicon Valley to turn bronze into gold. But things go explosively awry, causing the two heroes to be fired. They both went back to their respective homelands in bitterness towards each other.

Back home they never give up their dream to make gold so they continue to do research. Long and behold they discovered that gold was actually made in their own countries 2000 years ago. Tommy and his historian girlfriend discovered the first gold alchemy lab built by an ancient Chinese emperor that’s filled LIKE PICKLE IN FACEBOOK

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GOLD STRUCK is going to be the first Indo- Chinese Venture. An action comedy that melts the cultures of two ancient civilizations India and China, puts them through an Alchemist’s furnance and blends into hilarious time travelling extravaganza like Back to the Future with typical chinese action comedy with Bollywood flavour. The tag line of the film: Does man control gold... or does gold control man? with Sanskrit code. Forgoing animosity, Tommy invited Sanjay to go to China to help decipher the secret code and the two nerds begin their experiments anew. This time however, they unexpectedly open a portal to ancient Xian where they meet the first Chinese gold alchemist who just returned to China from India after having successfully made gold with an Indian Guru in the Gupta Imperial court.

Soon thereafter, an Indian delegation came to China seeking for the return of the secret formula. After a series of adventures, the secret formula lands in the duo’s hands. They endeavour to bring the formula back to the present and strike gold but something happened that began to change their minds and heart. Tagline : Does Gold control Man or does Man control Gold ?

Directors, Tony Cheung and Cory Yuen, have already been signed up. We’re in our last stage of finalizing the cast. All are top A list stars from India and China. ( Abhay Deol has been confirmed for Sanjay’s role, Priyanka Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan are being finalized ). From China, we plan to bring Jackie Chan. This would be a rare combination for the fans and audience of both India, China and globally. Shooting will start in end of August, 2014. Film release will be in mid 2015.

Who is your India Partner in this venture? Also tell us more about Light House Productions?

Our India partner is KLEOS Entertainment Group in Mumbai – GaythiriBatra.

Light House Productions is based in Hong Kong with offices in Beijing, Los Angeles and Mumbai. Light House’s clear and driving mission is to bring universally appealing inspirational films to light that not only transcend national boundaries but celebrate cultural differences as well. Light House is content driven and believes in simplistic story telling. Light

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House has a great team of talents and directors working hard to ensure the content has the potential to reach the widest audience base possible.

Light House’s mission was brought to the fore with the completion of its first feature film THE SAGEHUNTER. Based on a real-life memoirs of a charismatic Taiwanese aborigine tribesman, who taught ways to live in harmony with nature and modern man, THE SAGE HUNTER won the Earth Vision Award in Tokyo Global Environmental Film Festival. The film received accolades in film festivals in Cannes, South Korea, Canada, Germany and USA. Light House is in pre-production of THE HEALER, a new age drama that depicts the soul lesson of an American heart surgeon fighting cancer and his own demons. During a sound healing session, the surgeon experiences two of his past lives as an Incan shaman in the 16th century Peru when the Incan Empire was overrun by Spanish Conquistadors , and a Taoist alchemist in the 19th century China during the European invasions.

What is your focus at the European Film Market?

Our main focus would be to secure international distribution deals.

India and China have unique positioning in the global showbiz space.

Gold Struck is the first major India Chinese film collaboration, Light House Productions is making a debut in this venture. How do you see the way forward?

Gold Struck will set a benchmark and open door to more India-China co-productions in the future. We plan to make part two/three and create a franchise for this project. Both India and China provide rich sources of content – they both have long history, vastly diverse landscapes and fascinating cultures.

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What is the Chinese and Indian flavour in the film? How do you want to position this film for the global reach?

Using time travel, Gold Struck has both modern and ancient time. It has Chinese kung fu, Indian martial art, Indian traditional and Bollywood dance and song.

It also has Chinese and Indian marital match-making traditions. As an action/ romantic comedy with English as its predominant language, Gold Struck will have global reach. These four elementsaction, romance, comedy and Englishare universal in nature.

tries have vastly diverse natural landscapes that provide rich back drops and talented artists with varied skills that complement each other. India has good post production facilities and skilled CG talents. China’s audience is hungry for new visual and emotional experience in the cinema. There’s a growing interest in Indian films in China which will fuel growth in tourism in India. India’s audience likewise would like to see more Chinese films. Co-production films help bridge cultural gap which will in turn improve relationships between countries on all fronts – political and commercial.

What benefits and opportunities do you see between a bilateral Co-Production agreement between India and China on the audio visual front? Both countries are negotiating to have an agreement soon?

The opportunities on the audio-visual front of an India-China co-production agreement are abundant. Both coun-

What has been your experience in putting this project together? What are the challenges?

The biggest challenge in putting this project together has been finding a likeminded Indian partner. We are happy we finally found one who shares our professional vision and spiritual goal – Gayathri Batra of KLEOS Entertainment Group.

China’s audience is hungry for new visual and emotional experience in the cinema.

There’s a growing interest in Indian films in China which will fuel growth in tourism in India

Gayathri Batra Executive Director, Light House Productions Chairperson, KLEOS Entertainment Group

How does your association with Light House Productions begin?

During my trip to Beijing, I met the Indian Ambassador in Beijing, his daughter Medha Jaishankar introduced Light House Productions to me.

You have been working on the project for close to a year? What are the lessons learnt?

Yes. I must admit that it is wonderful to be working with Cindy Shyu Theil (CEO) and Michelle Chan (MD).

There are many aspects that I am working with Gold Struck, starting from understanding and bringing the right collaboration with distribution houses,

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corporates, talent, designing the landscape of distribution worldwide.

It is a great learning to be working in collaboration with like-minded team and one biggest lesson is our emotions speak the same language globally and entertainment has the power to break barriers in many ways.

Both India and China has their strengths in the showbiz space. What is the industry view (film industry view) from India on this project?

This is a once in a lifetime project which has a mammoth potential not only commercially, but in terms of multi-dimensional benefits like bring two cultures together. India and China are fast emerging markets and the growth pattern of similar nature in media and entertainment.

Our industry has been very positive towards Gold Struck and they are keen to partner from India not only for India but even to be part on a larger latitude.

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09-02-2014 19:32:52

MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE IN PICKLE APRIL 2014 MIPTV ISSUE.

INDIAN DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIAL

Pickle reaches out to audio visual companies in over 50 countries; Targets global buyers and distributors; Film Festivals and markets; Animation production companies; Global companies looking at offshoring from India; Co-production seekers and location service providers. Pickle business guide tracks the entertainment business in India.

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09-02-2014 19:32:53

SHOOT @ INDIA

MAKE YOUR DREAMS A VISUAL REALITY India’s gates are wide open for filmmakers. The government is taking a lot of efforts to make film shoots easy and the steps include a single window clearance system. And what more? The country’s locations and talents are unmatchable

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09-02-2014 19:32:53

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09-02-2014 19:32:58

India’s treasured locations are brought in these pages to attract global filmmakers and producers. The stills that you see in these pages reflect the scenes that you could create for your next film project. The single window service for promoting film shooting is all set to become operational shortly. The Government of India has established a single window service for granting clearances for film shootings in India. The creation of an online portal for application processing will give way to the creation of a transparent mechanism and efficiency in facilitation.

Also, replicating Mandarin China in Kolkata’s downtown, Taliban Afghanistan in the rugged mountains of Ladakh , Jamaica in feisty Goa , the Arabian nights in Jodhpur are possible and can be shot to perfection by Indian line producers. Come, shoot in India. Please do visit the exhibition on stills from films shot in beautiful Indian locale, which is currently on at the Indian Embassy premises in Berlin.

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Photo courtesy: EROS International and AP International

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