Showing posts with label WIFPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WIFPA. Show all posts
As Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty receive threat calls, film bodies unite to discuss urgent safety measures
10:06 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 16, 2026)
Leading film industry bodies met in Mumbai on Saturday (February 14) to chart urgent action following recent threat calls and extortion attempts targeting members of the Hindi film fraternity.
Representatives of the Producers Guild of India, Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) convened at the IMPPA office in Andheri at noon. Those present included Guild members Nitin Tej Ahuja and Shibasish Sarkar, along with FWICE president Birendra Nath Tiwari and senior representatives from other bodies. IFTPC president Ratan Jain could not attend but extended his support to whatever decision was taken.
The meeting follows threats targeting actors Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh, and filmmaker Rohit Shetty, among others. “This is no longer about isolated incidents. There is a palpable sense of fear. When leading actors and directors receive threats, the anxiety trickles down to every unit member, from spot boys to assistant directors. This is how Sikandar (2024) was shot following threats on Salman Khan and in the past year, the fear has only escalated,” a source told mid-day.
The bodies resolved to draft a joint letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking immediate intervention.
“We will collectively urge the state to ensure protection not just for high-profile celebrities, but for entire film units. Shoots involve hundreds of daily wage workers. Their safety cannot be compromised,” an insider told mid-day.
The source added, “If there is disruption due to fear or extortion, it directly impacts livelihoods of workers on set. These are regular people trying to make an honest earning. Films will be impacted because fear will drive people out of the industry.”
Tussle over war films on Operation Sindoor
8:12 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; May 11, 2025)
On the morning of May 7, as the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor, a different mission kicked off in Mumbai’s film production circles – the race to claim Sindoor as a film title. Inside producers’ offices and association desks, phones buzzed. But the only response many got? A simple, “ Aap kataar mein hai .”
‘Everyone wants the title Sindoor’
The inboxes of the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), the Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA), and the Producers Guild of India pinged with urgency. It hasn’t stopped really. “Suddenly, everyone wanted the same title – Sindoor ,” says a weary representative from one of the associations. “There’s been an overwhelming number of applications in the past couple of days for titles related to Operation Sindoor,” shared another official.
‘J P Dutta, south producers want to register the title’
Sources say, “J P Dutta’s banner JP Films has thrown its hat in the ring for Operation Sindoor. A renowned producer from the South, Dil Raju, has requested Sindoor: Ek Jung. “For a title to be accepted quickly, the trick is not to aim for what everyone else is chasing. The smartest titles are simple ones. The trick is to find something that uses the key words and still resonates,” adviced a producer.
‘There are already more than 15 applicants’
In this race, time is what matters. “The title will go to the one who applied first. But everyone else can either stay on the waiting list or get their money back. We receive title applications both by mail and as hard copies,” another representative explained, adding, “Now, when someone is walking in with a hard copy saying they want Mission Sindoor or Operation Sindoor, we tell them – don’t bother. There are already more than 15 applicants. You won’t get it.”
‘The timing of announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor may have caused discomfort’
After backlash for announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor, producer Nickky Bhagnani, brother of Pooja Entertainment’s Jackky Bhagnani, apologized in a post. He wrote, “My sincere apologies for recently announcing a film based on Operation Sindoor. Inspired by the recent heroic efforts of our Indian Armed Forces. The intent was never to hurt or provoke anyone’s sentiments. As a filmmaker, I was moved by the courage, sacrifice, and the strength of our soldiers and leadership. And simply wished to bring this powerful story to light. This project was born out of deep respect and love for our nation and not for fame and monetization. However, I understand the timing and sensitivity may have caused discomfort or pain to some. For that. I deeply regret. This is not just a film, it’s an emotion of the entire nation and a social image of the country globally. Thanks to our Armed Forces and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji who make us proud by working day and night for the country with the motto of always nation first. Our love and prayers will always be with the families of the martyrs as well as the bravo warriors who are fighting on the border day and night to give us a new morning. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
Productions that applied for title registration
- Aditya Dhar Films
- John Abraham’s production house
- JP Films (J P Dutta’s banner)
- Vivek Agnihotri’s production house
- Madhur Bhandarkar’s production house
- Ashoke Pandit’s production house
- Super Cassettes
- Mahaveer Jain Films
- Bombay Shows
- Mumbai Films
- Almighty Motion Pictures
Rush among filmmakers to register Operation Sindoor as a title
10:32 AM
Within hours of India’s precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK, the four film bodies reveal receiving over 20 applications to register the title
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 9, 2025)
India’s precision strike at nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir was followed by a frenzy in the film industry as producers scrambled to register the title Operation Sindoor and Mission Pahalgam.
As the process goes, producers must register titles through any one of the four film bodies — Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA), Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), or Producers Guild of India. Sources tell us that IMPPA received 12 applications, WIFPA got two, and Producers’ Guild received 10 applications so far.
“The time of registering a title gets stamped. The four film bodies then exchange letters to confirm which filmmaker filed the first application. The result is declared in the next meeting.”
- Ashoke Pandit, Producer and IMPPA member, early applicant
“I’ve applied in the film and web series section under languages across the country. I’m thinking of my Operation story with women leading it, the way Colonel Sofiya Quraishi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the country about the operation.”
- Vishal Saroye, Filmmaker
‘Shouldn’t make such films within 1-2 years of military operations’
Without confirming the number, J D Majethia, chairman, Television & Web Wing of IFTPC, says that several applications have been filed with the organization. However, he feels such films shouldn’t be made within one-two years of such military operations: “Manoranjan ke liye climax theek hai but in that process we end up showing our intelligence agencies’ investigations, sharing the big secret of planning process and intelligence agency of our country with enemies.”
Trademark wanted?
A source tells us that several filmmakers have also applied for the trademark of Operation Sindoor. While a title can only go to one filmmaker, a trademark means that several filmmakers can make the film on the same subject. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries was one of the proprietors, but later withdrew the application. A part of their statement read that it was filed by a junior person without authorization.
Film bodies call for total shutdown till March 31 in light of Coronavirus outbreak
8:16 AM
Makers instructed to put film, television, OTT shoots on hold till March 31; ration, medical facilities being arranged for workers
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 16, 2020)
Mirror had recently reported (March 13) that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) were among film bodies that instructed filmmakers to maintain hygiene and safety guidelines on sets to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
On Sunday, representatives from the two film bodies, along with Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Association of Advertising Producers (ASAP) and Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), held a joint meeting at which it was decided to bring a halt to all ongoing film, TV and OTT shoots from March 19-31. “We have given everyone three days to wrap up pending work. The entire entertainment industry, including post-production work, will be on hold till March 31. Those shooting outside of India will have to return home,” said Birendra Nath Tiwari, President, FWICE.
When asked about the move’s impact on daily wage workers, Tiwari said, “The Federation is taking that into consideration. It’s a matter of just 11 days and health is the paramount concern. That said, we will try to arrange for ration and provide facilities for them. We already have an ambulance in place, along with free medicines and a doctor in case any worker needs emergency help.”
Ashoke Pandit, President, IFTDA, reiterated that lives are more important than monetary impact. “It’s an emergency situation with the entire nation fighting the virus. Lakhs of people are involved in shoots and it is our responsibility to take care of them,” he added.
Soon after the advisory, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra reached out to Pandit, along with Anubhav Sinha, Hansal Mehta, Sushant Singh, Sameer Nair and Nikkhil Advani on Twitter, with a question: “Shouldn’t we set up a fund for the junior technicians, our light boys, set workers, sound assistants etc?” His industry friends, along with others like Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap and Manish Mundra, offered support to the initiative.
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 16, 2020)
On Sunday, representatives from the two film bodies, along with Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Association of Advertising Producers (ASAP) and Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), held a joint meeting at which it was decided to bring a halt to all ongoing film, TV and OTT shoots from March 19-31. “We have given everyone three days to wrap up pending work. The entire entertainment industry, including post-production work, will be on hold till March 31. Those shooting outside of India will have to return home,” said Birendra Nath Tiwari, President, FWICE.
When asked about the move’s impact on daily wage workers, Tiwari said, “The Federation is taking that into consideration. It’s a matter of just 11 days and health is the paramount concern. That said, we will try to arrange for ration and provide facilities for them. We already have an ambulance in place, along with free medicines and a doctor in case any worker needs emergency help.”
Ashoke Pandit, President, IFTDA, reiterated that lives are more important than monetary impact. “It’s an emergency situation with the entire nation fighting the virus. Lakhs of people are involved in shoots and it is our responsibility to take care of them,” he added.
Soon after the advisory, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra reached out to Pandit, along with Anubhav Sinha, Hansal Mehta, Sushant Singh, Sameer Nair and Nikkhil Advani on Twitter, with a question: “Shouldn’t we set up a fund for the junior technicians, our light boys, set workers, sound assistants etc?” His industry friends, along with others like Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap and Manish Mundra, offered support to the initiative.
Will film and TV shoots be stalled in Mumbai following the Coronavirus outbreak?
8:37 AM
Rachana Dubey and Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 15, 2020)
The COVID-19 epidemic has impacted life across the country, including Metros like Delhi and Mumbai. On Friday, the Maharashtra government announced that gyms, malls, cinema halls and swimming pools will be closed till March 31 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Film releases, live shows, concerts and sporting events have also been postponed. In keeping with the ongoing situation, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is planning to put all the film, TV and ad-film shoots on hold for a few days as a preventive measure.
FILM BODIES TO MEET TODAY
FWICE’s President Birendra Nath Tiwari told BT, “Shoots for films, TV shows and ads are like public gatherings, and masks and sanitisers alone won’t help in such a situation. For the sake of people’s lives, we, too, can stop work for a few days.” In fact, FWICE has been speaking to various producers’ bodies regarding this. A meeting between members of the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) and FWICE will be held today to decide a plan of action.
‘WE WANT TO DRAW UP A WORKABLE PLAN’
Ashoke Pandit told BT, “The idea is not to put a blanket stop on work. We want to draw up a workable plan to ensure that if individual producers, technicians and actors decide to continue work, they are safe. Having sanitisers, masks and medical help at hand and maintaining hygiene are crucial and sets will be monitored for that. More than 50 per cent of this industry works on daily pay packets. Those workers will suffer a great deal if shoots come to a complete halt,” he told BT.
FWICE has already written to producers, requesting them to refrain from shooting in countries affected by COVID-19. They have also been asked to report if any individual who has travelled from a COVID-19-affected region is present on their set. Feroz Khan, the chairman for health and safety vigilance in the FWICE, said, “A few film shoots are on in Lucknow and Banaras, but they are following strict regulations. Anyone with any symptom of COVID-19 is being sent to the nearest medical facility with their payment cleared up to that day.”
TV SETS IMPLEMENT STRICT MEASURES
Meanwhile, the television industry has also implemented measures to fight the situation. While shoots can’t be stalled because of telecast demands and a paucity of bank of episodes, the makers and the crew of TV shows have come together to spread awareness. The Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) has issued a directive to all producers, asking them to take the necessary precautionary steps. J D Majethia, chairman of IFTPC and the producer of TV show Bhakharwadi, said, “We have requested broadcasters to urge producers to educate their crew and also maintain hygiene on their sets. We are putting up posters in two-three languages with simple instructions about precautionary measures. We are also encouraging those suffering from any COVID-19 symptoms to bring it to our notice so that we can help them get immediate medical attention. We already have doctors visiting sets to check every worker thoroughly. Those who aren’t feeling well will get paid leaves. We have also requested junior workers to not send in their replacement, which happens in most cases, so that there is no confusion regarding who is working on a given day”.
‘THOSE UNWELL NEEDN’T FEAR PAY-CUTS’
Siddharth Kumar Tewary, producer of RadhaKrishn, shared, “We have asked the office staff to work from home. Those who can’t, like the ones working in the post-production and edit departments, are advised to report only when there is work. On the set, you will find everyone with a mask on. We have ensured that bottles of sanitisers are kept at every 10 to 15 feet. We have also formed a team that ensures that everybody washes their hands and sanitises them frequently. Actors’ make-up rooms, lunch area and bedrooms are disinfected and cleaned every half an hour.”
Kinnari Mehta, producer of Maddam Sir, told us, “Apart from providing sanitisers and soaps, we have instructed each and every member of the unit to practise respiratory hygiene. We also make sure that people bringing food for the unit are wearing gloves all the time. Everyone wears a mask during the shoot and post it.”
Mahesh Pandey, producer of Vidya, says, “We have ensured that sets are cleaned frequently. We have also distributed masks and sanitisers to everyone. Anyone who has been feeling under the weather has been asked to take an off without any fear of a pay cut.”
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TV SHOW TO AIR AN EPISODE ON CORONAVIRUS
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is currently shooting an episode on the epidemic. Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal in the show, says, “Coronavirus is a pandemic and, unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation doing the rounds. So, our producer Asit Kumarr Modi and the creative team have decided to spread awareness through our show.”
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