Monday 31 January 2011

Secrets Behind Theaters Digitalization


The most happening technology in theatres is the digitalization but then an analysis reveals that Tollywood would have brought about the revolution quite a while ago if it was not for some biggies. Apparently, Qube had tied up with a noted studio but then the studio folks delayed the process deliberately to save their Lab business.

Later, Qube forfeited the contract and got into an agreement with ‘Cinematica’ with which in just 7 months, a total of 200 screens adopted this technology. In no time, the studio which was delaying announced the launch of their own server and with this, the theatres under their network were not allowed to join hands with Qube, UFO or PXD. However, till date not even the studio’s preview theatre has been digitalised. The person responsible for that is reportedly not interested in this new technology as it would affect his lab business.

Here is a look at the loss the TFI had to incur due to this. A total of 1258 films were certified between 2005 – 2009. So, on an average – 1258 * 40 = 50320 prints * 60000 (print cost)= Rs 302 crores. In an year, the industry spends nearly Rs 60 crores on prints and transportation apart from the VAT which is another Rs 10000- Rs 40000. For high budget movies, the cost touches nearly Rs 1 Lakh.

All this can be avoided if an additional 600 digital screens are added apart from the existing 450 + single screens. The Virtual Print Fee (VPF) is Rs 250 per show, Rs 17000 (full run). That way, the producers can work on the VPF instead of spending crores on prints. Even the noted film makers like RGV are adopting this new technology to save costs.

A section of the industry folks are hoping that the main person who has a grip over the theatres consents and allows the digitalization of his network theatres so that the industry can be saved.

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