Even as the concept of public entertainment has evolved to include sporting events, music and theatre, it was always motion pictures that took the world by storm. When silent motion pictures started speaking, new technologies pushed its horizon, turning them into an indelible part of the human race. Next, the stage brought television which changed the rules of the game, bringing entertainment right into people’s living rooms rather than the audience reaching out for entertainment in theatres, cinema halls/talkies. The rivalry between the big and small screen led to many more developments that led to making the movie experience more real and exciting, which was also the case in television too. Now, the two have become inseparable, supporting each other’s cause. As a result, the number of television channels completely dedicated to movie screenings is on a rise. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.
“Back in the 80s, only award-winning films, mostly artsy films were telecast once a week on Doordarshan. It was nothing less than a treat for the audience if their known language movies were aired. The trend slowly changed as filmmakers started using the mode to seek exclusive rights of their films to be telecast on television. It became a huge market. At present, the revenue earned as television rights is taken into consideration,” says senior film critic Subramanya.
About exclusive movie rights for television, Vaidya of Udaya TV Network, which has a record number of more than 1,000 exclusive Kannada movies in its kitty, explains that earlier television rights of a movie were given for a period of 99 years. “Udaya TV Network has the highest number of Kannada movies, a majority are classics. Almost all Dr Rajkumar movies and other leading star actors as well, which is why the network is immensely popular. The TV rights are now shortened to 20 years, but it is the classic collections that are most loved by the audiences,” he adds.
He further adds that the latest trend in Hindi television is that the TV rights of a movie are being sold to multiple channels with certain conditions and understanding between the channels and the makers.
“Even before a big budget movie is made, the exclusive TV rights of the movie including various events like the audio release, etc sold to certain private channels. However, the offers are based on the level of popularity, excitement among fans, a star actor’s presence, etc. It is again the permutation and combination over TRPs that counts finally. As always conditions do apply with regard to premiering of brand new releases,” producer Santhosh concludes.
