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Ambar Singh Roy

KOLKATA, Feb. 3

THE Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with major multiple system operators (MSOs) with a view to checking video piracy on cable networks.

According to informed sources, a task force for prevention of piracy on cable networks was formed last October under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to arrive at a solution aimed at checking video piracy on cable networks.

After several rounds of deliberations, a MoU was signed under which major MSOs have agreed not to show feature films on their networks till after a year has elapsed after a film is released. Any cable operator, who violates the MoU, stands the risk of having his franchisee licence cancelled.

Among the MSOs who have signed the MoU are INCable Net of the Hindujas, Wincable of the Hathway group, Siticable and Seven Star. Representing the film industry in the deliberations were Ms Smita Thackeray, Mr Yash Chopra and Mr Subash Ghai, among others.

For a long time, motion picture producers have been complaining that cable networks were airing pirated video versions of feature films, thereby resulting in loss of revenue for film producers and their distributors.

"Who will go to a theatre to watch a film if it is shown on cable networks before it is released?'' said a source from the film industry, adding that the loss in revenue in such cases was as high as 70 per cent of the costs incurred in making a film.

MSO sources, while agreeing that showing pirated video versions of new films on cable networks was "not ethically correct'', feel that it is the poor quality of films that are responsible for producers' losses. They cite the instance of the film Lagaan to stress that people will go to theatres to watch a good film even if it has been shown repeatedly on cable networks.

According to them, overseas rights are sold before films are released. "Video versions come back here from the country where the overseas rights are sold.''

A section of those concerned, however, feel that there are two ways to arrive at a permanent solution to the vexed issue. First, films must be recorded in a format that is not playable in an ordinary video cassette player or a digital video disc player.

And second, movies should be allowed to be aired on cable networks on the basis of conditional access. The second option would allow producers and distributors to monitor the process and earn their revenue as well.

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