Digital filmmakers may get to join chamber

Hyderabad: Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce is mulling giving more space to digital filmmakers and recognising them as 5th sector in the chamber, kindling a hope among hundreds of existing and aspiring filmmakers in T-town.

Actually, Telugu Film Chamber consists of four sectors-studio owners, producers, distributor and exhibitor. Now members are debating over giving more space and privileges to filmmakers who make feature films with ‘digital cameras’ like 5D Canon, Red Epic and Red series and others.

“The issue came up for discussion since digital filmmakers are struggling to make feature films with low-cost and many young talents are holding back, while some others are content churning out short films and screening on YouTube, but now we want to open the gates for young talent and raise the bar on Telugu cinema’ said a producer, on condition of anonymity.

According to a source, if chamber agrees to give “few privileges” to digital filmmakers, it will enable them to make feature films at a cost of Rs 40 to Rs 70 lakh with new cast and crew of their choice. “If the order comes through, digital filmmakers need not hire technicians from 24-crafts of Andhra Pradesh Film Employees Federation which is mandatory otherwise and can chose minimum cast and crew and finish the product at lowest cost.

In fact, digital filmmakers do not come under Indian Cinematography Act since they do not use raw film stock” he added. Hailing it as a path-breaking measure, director R Manjunath added “It will be boon for young filmmakers like us since there are many filmmakers who have innovative ideas to change the face of Telugu cinema, but reluctant to step in because of high-cost involved.

Right now, we have to hire technicians and artistes from cine workers union which is expensive, but if that rule is abandoned, our assistant directors, will also do make-up, handle lighting, costumes and we will hire new faces for various characters without paying much, so refreshing talent will step in” he pointed out.

When contacted, producer C Kalyan and vice president of Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce said “It is too early to comment on recognising digital filmmakers as 5th sector since nothing is finalised yet. Since members of all the four sectors have to sit and agree on various issues, so it is bound to take time.

However, our members want to support digital filmmakers, like giving them membership as producer without voting right, allowing them to hire crew of their own, instead of cine workers union, as we are game to promote new blood” he concluded.

By BVS Prakash