Showing posts with label Purple Pebble Pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Purple Pebble Pictures. Show all posts
Female employees in Priyanka Chopra's Purple Pebble Productions get new set of benefits
8:21 AM
On her 36th birthday, Priyanka Chopra formulates new set of benefits, including flexible business hours and creche, for female workforce in her production house
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 18, 2018)
In an industry that remains largely male-dominated, Priyanka Chopra is triggering a change of sorts with small but significant steps. After introducing pay parity to create a gender-neutral workforce earlier this year, the actor, on her birthday today, is putting into effect a new set of benefits for the female employees of her studio, Purple Pebble Productions.
Having established herself as a force to reckon with in her field, Priyanka firmly believes that women should not have to compromise on their life choices to achieve professional success. It was this belief that has led her to introduce flexible timings for working mothers and special benefits during maternity leave.
Priyanka's mother and business partner Dr Madhu Chopra says, "Since 80 per cent of our female staff is married, we had to keep their interests in mind. The idea was simple — why should women's life choices become professional hurdles? The policy of flexible timings for mothers was set in place by Priyanka, but fine-tuned by senior members of our company."
Madhu says it is the fierce feminist in Priyanka that makes her want to create an environment where women feel "safe and loved". She adds that besides providing them maternity leave, the company also offers monetary assistance. "We give 12 weeks' maternity leave and financial assistance for care," she says, adding that they are working towards developing an in-house crèche for their employees. Ask her if men enjoy similar benefits and she says, "That's the rule of gender parity. One of our marketing executives took paternity leave of four weeks."
Priyanka Chopra launches website to help aspiring artistes, curate scripts, groom newbies
7:52 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 23, 2018)
Within two days of returning to India, Priyanka Chopra is already hard at work — after giving the much-needed impetus to regional cinema with her production house, Purple Pebble Pictures, the actor is championing the cause of supporting new talent. Marking her first step towards attaining the goal, she launched the studio’s website yesterday. In an interesting move, the site includes a talent platform where aspiring artistes — across the fields of acting, script writing and direction, among others — can fill an application form and stand a chance to bag a project.
About the new initiative, Priyanka’s mother and business partner Dr Madhu Chopra says, “We’re constantly looking to discover talent. It could be a skill in any area of filmmaking. Of course, writers are crucial to the process of filmmaking and since content has been one of the pillars of our banner, we want writers with a fresh approach and perspective.”
Aspiring storytellers can send their scripts to the studio after filling up the application form. Priyanka has put together a team of curators who will cull out interesting stories that can then be bankrolled by the studio. Similarly, there are dedicated teams that will select and groom new talents across different areas of filmmaking. “Anyone with the skills associated with filmmaking can apply. Enter your details, and if you fit the bill for any of our upcoming projects, we’ll get in touch with you. The idea is to provide a platform where talent can be curated, groomed and allowed to excel. There is abundant potential, but not enough opportunities.”
Mom Chopra says it was Priyanka’s idea to ensure deserving talent gets a break in showbiz. “In her early days in Bollywood, Priyanka had no one she could turn to for advice. Through this website, she wants to encourage aspirants who can make it in the entertainment business.”
To tackle gender inequality in Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra promises to hire more female staff, offer equal pay
8:00 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 8, 2018)
Having noticed the gender inequality prevalent in Indian cinema, Priyanka Chopra and her mother Madhu Chopra have initiated changes in their production house, Purple Pebble Pictures. Insiders from the banner suggest that the duo is focusing on roping in more women artistes for their upcoming projects to create a gender-neutral workplace, with equal importance to pay parity.
In their bid to support pay equity, Priyanka’s studio, Purple Pebble Pictures, has included a rider in the contracts of their artistes clearly stating that gender won’t be one of the determining factors in their remuneration.
Madhu Chopra asserts that the inclusion of women in the production house isn’t restricted to direction or acting. “We have women story writers, directors and camera technicians. So in every aspect of filmmaking, we are encouraging women. Although I would reiterate that we give equal opportunity, there is a certain bias towards women at the moment because they are marginalized and we have to give them an additional push.”
Ask her about pay equity and she says that they are creating a setup where lead actors of projects will be paid at par, irrespective of their gender. “The pay scale is determined by the merit, qualification and talent. So there are different parameters, but gender is definitely not one of them. We believe in gender equality and that applies to remuneration too.”
Priyanka is also keen on backing more women-oriented stories helmed by women filmmakers. While their recently wrapped-up film Firebrand has National Award winner Aruna Raje at the helm, the studio’s last offering — the Sikkimese film Pahuna: The Little Visitors — was directed by Paakhi Tyrewala.
Madhu adds, “Female-centric stories make the most impact on people. Everyone knows that women are strong enough to be talked about. The impact that I am expecting [from these developments] is that women will rise from where they have been put and walk shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.”
Workers’ body to boycott Priyanka Chopra’s banner over alleged pending dues of Rs 16 lakh
7:42 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; March 17, 2016)
On January 8, hitlist had published a report about Priyanka Chopra’s banner allegedly defaulting on payment to workers hired for an ad shoot in April-May last year. Now, the workers’ union has decided to boycott the production company until their dues are cleared.
Says a source, “The total dues came to nearly Rs 36 lakh, of which only Rs 20 lakh has been cleared. The remaining amount has been withheld for reasons best known to them. We sent them the bill twice in December last year, but they have not responded so far. Priyanka remained unavailable for comment.
Gangeshwar Srivastav, general secretary of Film Studio Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union, says, “It has been almost a year since our members rendered their services to Priyanka Chopra’s Purple Pebble Pictures, which hasn’t released the payment yet. After sending them a couple of reminders, her (Priyanka’s) aunt and two persons involved with the company, Ishaan Dutta and Amit Vij, had come to meet us. They assured us that dues of Rs 16 lakh would be cleared soon. However, they made payment of Rs 5 lakh to the art director. What about the workers? Now we are left with no choice but to issue a non-cooperation notice against Purple Pebble.”
Earlier, a source at her production company had claimed that they had an all-inclusive contract with the art director/set designer, as mentioned in the invoice, and that they were not liable to make payment to the workers. The money was directly paid to the art director, an official had said on the condition of anonymity. Anil Nagrath, secretary, Indian Motion Pictures' Producers Association (IMPPA) says, “PPP has already paid the art director but he hasn’t paid his workers. In addition to the money cleared, a cheque of Rs 5 lakh is lying in IMPPA’s office but the art director has not come to claim it. Now the workers are harassing PPP. It’s a plain extortion racket. Why are the workers continuing to work with such a art director?”
Anushka Sharma to play a cop in Priyanka Chopra’s first Hindi production?
8:24 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; January 25, 2016)
Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do last year, Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma are apparently ready to team up again. No, not as co-stars. Anushka is believed to have signed a film to be produced by PeeCee’s banner, Purple Pebble Pictures.
Says a source, “She will play a cop in what will be Priyanka’s first Hindi production. PC was supposed to act in the film, but decided to just take credit as producer since she will be seen as a police officer in Prakash Jha’s Jai GangaaJal. The film’s storyline is interesting and is being closely guarded at the moment.” We hear the film will be helmed by a new female face and will go on floors in December.
Anushka remained unavailable for comment while PC’s spokesperson denies the buzz, saying: “For now, she will be producing only regional films. A source close to the her production house, however, confirms the story and adds: “This will be the first time an actress will be producing a film for her contemporary. The pre-production work is underway and as soon as the paper work is completed, an official announcement will be made.”
Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do last year, Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma are apparently ready to team up again. No, not as co-stars. Anushka is believed to have signed a film to be produced by PeeCee’s banner, Purple Pebble Pictures.
Says a source, “She will play a cop in what will be Priyanka’s first Hindi production. PC was supposed to act in the film, but decided to just take credit as producer since she will be seen as a police officer in Prakash Jha’s Jai GangaaJal. The film’s storyline is interesting and is being closely guarded at the moment.” We hear the film will be helmed by a new female face and will go on floors in December.
Anushka remained unavailable for comment while PC’s spokesperson denies the buzz, saying: “For now, she will be producing only regional films. A source close to the her production house, however, confirms the story and adds: “This will be the first time an actress will be producing a film for her contemporary. The pre-production work is underway and as soon as the paper work is completed, an official announcement will be made.”
Priyanka Chopra's production company unveils aggressive plans
3:15 PM
Announces regional cinema roll-out with three films in Bhojpuri, Marathi and Punjabi
BOMBAY TIMES (January 17, 2015)
Priyanka Chopra, who is
currently basking in the global limelight, has always taken the road
less travelled. In keeping with her indomitable spirit, her production
house, Purple Pebble Pictures (PPP), has announced its foray into
regional cinema, outlining details for three projects that will release
this year.
The Bollywood star's aim is simple. Through her banner, she wants to create a platform for great stories to be told, irrespective of their genre and language. She is also keen to provide a platform to new talent in acting, direction, scriptwriting, etc.
Apart from regional films, PPP will focus on various forms of visual entertainment across platforms, including Hindi cinema, television content, new-age digital content and ad films.
Priyanka, who is the founder, talent samurai and chief troublemaker of Purple Pebble Pictures, says, “Today, entertainment has a wide canvas that is not restricted by language or medium. We aspire to erase boundaries and create an environment where content is the hero. We are a country with exceptional young talent and our endeavour is to provide a platform for talent across the entertainment business.''
THE FUTURE SLATE OF PPP INCLUDES:
BAM BAM BOL RAHA HAI KASHI (BHOJPURI):
Written and directed by Santosh Mishra, this love story features Bhojpuri star Nirahua and Amrapali Dubey. Shooting begins this month and the film will release in the summer of 2016.
VENTILATOR (MARATHI):
Written and helmed by Rajesh Mapuskar, the director of Ferrari Ki Sawaari, this 'dramedy' features a sterling ensemble cast from Marathi theatre and films. Shooting begins next month and the film will release during this year's Ganpati festival.
EK ONKAR (PUNJABI):
Written by Ambardeep Singh and directed by Karan Guliani, it is a coming-of-age story of a young NRI who returns to find his roots. The film will have a leading Punjabi actor. It will commence in March and release around Guru Nanak Jayanti this year.
Speaking about the regional projects Priyanka adds, “Regional cinema in India has such amazing depth and great cinematic talent. It's been a long cherished dream to be able to tell stories in various languages and reach the heart of our country.''
The Bollywood star's aim is simple. Through her banner, she wants to create a platform for great stories to be told, irrespective of their genre and language. She is also keen to provide a platform to new talent in acting, direction, scriptwriting, etc.
Apart from regional films, PPP will focus on various forms of visual entertainment across platforms, including Hindi cinema, television content, new-age digital content and ad films.
Priyanka, who is the founder, talent samurai and chief troublemaker of Purple Pebble Pictures, says, “Today, entertainment has a wide canvas that is not restricted by language or medium. We aspire to erase boundaries and create an environment where content is the hero. We are a country with exceptional young talent and our endeavour is to provide a platform for talent across the entertainment business.''
THE FUTURE SLATE OF PPP INCLUDES:
BAM BAM BOL RAHA HAI KASHI (BHOJPURI):
Written and directed by Santosh Mishra, this love story features Bhojpuri star Nirahua and Amrapali Dubey. Shooting begins this month and the film will release in the summer of 2016.
VENTILATOR (MARATHI):
Written and helmed by Rajesh Mapuskar, the director of Ferrari Ki Sawaari, this 'dramedy' features a sterling ensemble cast from Marathi theatre and films. Shooting begins next month and the film will release during this year's Ganpati festival.
EK ONKAR (PUNJABI):
Written by Ambardeep Singh and directed by Karan Guliani, it is a coming-of-age story of a young NRI who returns to find his roots. The film will have a leading Punjabi actor. It will commence in March and release around Guru Nanak Jayanti this year.
Speaking about the regional projects Priyanka adds, “Regional cinema in India has such amazing depth and great cinematic talent. It's been a long cherished dream to be able to tell stories in various languages and reach the heart of our country.''
Workers hired by Priyanka Chopra’s banner for an ad shoot allege non-payment of dues
7:38 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; January 8, 2016)
Priyanka Chopra’s production company seems to have landed in a spot of bother with members of the Film Studios Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union alleging non-payment of dues for services rendered during an ad shoot.
In two reminders sent to Purple Pebble Pictures last month, general secretary of the Union, Gangeshwar Srivastav, has pointed out that the members had worked for PeeCee’s banner from April-end to the first week of May.
A worker on the condition of anonymity says, “The outstanding payment is a little over Rs 16 lakh. We sent them the bill twice — on December 3 and December 30, but have not heard from them yet. Since we are daily wage earners, we are anxiously awaiting our payment to be cleared.”
Priyanka remained unavailable for comment, but a source close to the production house says, “We had an all- inclusive contract with the art director/set designer, which is also mentioned in their invoice, and we were never liable to make payment to the workers. The money was directly paid to the art director. It seems he hasn’t disbursed it to them, which is leading to all the confusion.”
Srivastav, however, claims only a part of the dues has been cleared so far. “We sent a few letters to them, but they have not got back to us yet. The total dues for the shoot was close to Rs 36 lakh, of which only Rs 20 lakh has been cleared. Payment of the remaining amount is being delayed,” he adds.
Documents of both parties are in mid-day ’s possession.
Sussanne Khan to work on interiors of Priyanka Chopra’s office?
7:44 AM
DNA (May 8, 2015)
Priyanka Chopra was recently spotted outside Sussanne
Khan’s home furnishing store The Charcoal Project. An insider reveals
that the actress is in touch with Sussanne as she has been roped in to
design PC’s swanky new production office in Juhu for her banner Purple
Pebble Pictures.
The actress loves Sussanne’s sense of aesthetics and has had several meeting with her and her team to discuss the interiors of her office. The source adds that the office space will be inspired by the international studio design model, with an open cafe outside as Priyanka loves the cafe culture. PC has big production plans and is keen to set up the right atmosphere at her work place.
Adds the source, “Priyanka, who has always loved Sussanne’s work met her to discuss the layout and the interior design. She is very excited to have Sussanne work on her office.”
Sussanne, who has got a lot of appreciation for her work, has been concentrating on her work after her divorce with Hrithik Roshan came through. PC is known to be good friends with Hrithik and starred with him in Krissh and Krissh 3. Previously too, Sussanne has worked for some of Hrithik’s other co-stars. She had designed Rani Mukerji’s bungalow.
While Sussanne had designed her abode with Hrithik, the actor’s new home has been designed by John Abraham’s brother, Alan Abraham. Later, Maria from Aria Design Company worked on his home too.
Priyanka Chopra surprises her team; sends special gift to all her staff members
7:58 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 31, 2015)
After winning accolades and a few awards for Mary Kom,
and signing an exclusive deal with ABC network, Priyanka Chopra seems
to be in a happy space. Before she jets off to the US, the actress
decided to take all her staff members by surprise. “She sent a box of
goodies to all head-of-departments, staff members and executive
producers of Purple Pebble Pictures. She is feeling blessed with all the
things happening on the work front and wanted to thank her team. Also,
it was a emotional moment for her as she had just finished the first ad
shoot under the banner,” says one of her staffers adding that though
she is such a huge celebrity, she is always grounded. “She has helped us
and guided us through thick and thin. Now that we have finally started
work with our production banner, she made sure she surprised everyone,”
smiles the staffer. The ad, in question, was of Unnati Real Estate which PC’s Purple Pebble Pictures designed and shot. Priyanka has handwritten 55 letters and sent a goodie bag which had chocolates, cookies and a bottle of champagne each.
Priyanka Chopra turns producer with Madhur Bhandarkar's Madamji
8:05 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 20, 2014)
Six years after Fashion,
Priyanka Chopra and Madhur Bhandarkar have joined hands for the actress'
maiden production venture, Madamji. Released under her banner Purple
Pebble Pictures, it will be co-produced by Bhandarkar Entertainment and
Ram Mirchandani's Rampage Motion Pictures.
The film, which will go on floors this October, is set in the murky world of politics. Says Priyanka, “I'm in love with everything to do with movies... the process, the creativity, the magic. This is an extension of that. I'm looking forward to the learning, the madness and the creative satisfaction of bringing a film alive.“
Considering the fact that Fashion won box-office success, critical acclaim and even National Awards, Priyanka is naturally optimistic about her latest collaboration with Madhur. Says she, “As a director, he has a clear vision of what he wants and his choice of stories is intriguing and exciting. When he narrated this story to me, I knew it would be a great first project for me in production. I've shared a wonderful working relationship with Madhur and Ram and we are excited about presenting Madamji to the world.“
Madhur adds, “It's a performance-oriented film about an item girl, who turns into a top-notch politician. I really get along with Priyanka and enjoy working with her.“
The film, which will go on floors this October, is set in the murky world of politics. Says Priyanka, “I'm in love with everything to do with movies... the process, the creativity, the magic. This is an extension of that. I'm looking forward to the learning, the madness and the creative satisfaction of bringing a film alive.“
Considering the fact that Fashion won box-office success, critical acclaim and even National Awards, Priyanka is naturally optimistic about her latest collaboration with Madhur. Says she, “As a director, he has a clear vision of what he wants and his choice of stories is intriguing and exciting. When he narrated this story to me, I knew it would be a great first project for me in production. I've shared a wonderful working relationship with Madhur and Ram and we are excited about presenting Madamji to the world.“
Madhur adds, “It's a performance-oriented film about an item girl, who turns into a top-notch politician. I really get along with Priyanka and enjoy working with her.“
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