India’s No. 1 Producers’ Association
Special Feature on THE ASSOCIATION OF MOTION PICTURES &
TV PROGRAMME PRODUCERS
by Sushma

Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP), the largest active Association of Producers has recently been adjudged as India’s No. 1 Association of Producers in an independent survey. The survey conducted among active producers comprising of both non members and members of AMPTPP brings to light the fact that since its inception in 1990, AMPTPP has indeed come a long way ahead.

THE BACKGROUND
AMPTPP was formerly known as Association of Cine Films & TV Programme Producers and registered under the Bombay Non -Trading Corporation Act 1959 (Act No. XXVI of 1959) on 25th June 1987. The organization had eminent
Producer – Directors like AtmaRam, Hrishikesh Mukherji, Shyam Benegal, G.P. Sippy, Basu Bhattacharya, Amit Khanna, Vijay Sippy, Kalpana Lajmi, Arun Kaul, Vijay Padukone, Amol Palekar, Kamal Kumar Barjatya, Manmohan Shetty, Bappie Sonie, N.B. Kamat, Satish Kulkarni and others as Founder Members.

The activities of the Association during that time were carried out under the Chairmanship of Shri G.P. Sippy from the office of A – Block, Bombay Air Conditioned Market, Tardeo, and from the office of Film Federation of India along with Shri Supran Sen, as Secretary.

At the request of members and to have a separate identity, the Association’s name was changed to Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers and the same was incorporated under the Companies Act 1956, (no. 1 of 1956) as a limited company under Section 25 and registered on 31st January 1990, under Regn. No. 11-55264 of 1990.

The main objective of this Association is to promote and encourage Production of feature films and TV Serials etc, solving various problems of its members, draft rules and regulations and implement the same in a proper manner for the smooth functioning of the Film Industry, to keep good relationship with all Sectors of the Film Industry as well as with both state and Central Government and seek their co-operation and assistance for the development of the Film Industry in general and more particularly for the existence of the Mumbai Entertainment Industry.

INDEPENDENCE
Keeping in view its objectives, AMPTPP as an affiliate of Film Makers Combine like other associations namely IMPPA, F.P. Guild and WIFPA was co-operating in solving various important common problems. However, as most of the film makers are aware, the functioning of the FMC was laid back and in an unprofessional manner. Due to FMC’s slow processing and unilateral attitude towards the members of this Association, the AMPTPP had to resign from FMC from March 1995 and started functioning as an Independent Body to protect the interest of its members who were noted and active film makers.

The activities of the Association were then carried out from Sheetal Apartment, Bandra (West) & the total member of members of this Association was 150.

The year 1995 saw Mr. Anil Nagrath join this Association as an Executive Secretary along with Mr. K. Ramachandran, as an Asst. Secretary in addition to Mr. Supran Sen, who was the then Secretary, to assist in running the
organization.

The able leadership of Shri. Pahlaj Nihalani saw the AMPTPP easily negotiate a harder bend when the FMC, tried to ensure that AMPTPP did not survive as an independent body by misusing its publicity clearance powers, without which it was not possible to get CBFC’s censor certificate. It was ironical that, when the AMPTPP got this power of clearance from Ministry of I & B, the FMC and FDC joined hands and issued circulars threatening not to register films made by AMPTPP members. To protect the interests of its members, AMPTPP thereafter approached the MRTP commission for a stay against the vilification campaign of FMC & FDC. After the stay was ordered by MRTP the same was challenged in the Supreme Court but the AMPTPP won and the stay ordered by MRTP restraining FMC – FDC continues till today.

The vision of its Governing council and its Management moved another step of registering titles of its members by itself, after verifying the availability of these titles with FMC and vice-versa. Similarly, even now only important and common matters such as fixation of wages affiliated to FWICE are being discussed with FMC to avoid any complications and confusion among Producers. Moreover, AMPTPP now handles all problems and disputes of its members in a faster, practical and positive manner and has handled and sorted disputes involving more than Rs 6.23 crores so far.

THE EPOCH MAKING YEARS
With its high active membership, able management and visionary leadership, both Central and State Governments, recognized the AMPTPP as an active Film and TV Serial making Producers Association and granted permission to it to clear the Publicity designs of Software Produced by its members for the purpose of obtaining the Censor Certificate from CBFC without any delays as at FMC. For this purpose, a Sub-Committee has been appointed and clearance letters are being issued after proper scrutiny of the Publicity designs.

Considering the activities, collective & progressive approach of AMPTPP more Producers enrolled as members of AMPTPP and the number of members increased year by year. The total number of AMPTPP members which was 150 in 1995 swelled to 4300 as we go to print.

Due to the untiring efforts of Shri Pahlaj Nihalani, President, and the entire team, the AMPTPP purchased its own office premises at 701/702, Bldg 29, MHADA, Oshiwara, and started functioning from there, retaining a distinct identity. AMPTPP also made its own arrangements to resolve disputes of its members against Artistes, Technicians etc and vice versa by forming Co-ordination Committee with Cine & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) and Joint Disputes Settlement Committee with Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Meeting of such Committees were held regularly and disputes were settled as per the merits of the case to the satisfaction of all parties.

Similarly, disputes between Producer members and distributors of various circuits and vice-versa were also entertained and resolved.

GUILD & AMPTPP
In the meantime, another affiliate of FMC viz. The Film Producers Guild of India Ltd, had also resigned from the FMC and expressed their willingness to amalgamate with AMPTPP and work together. Accordingly, though both AMPTPP and F.P. Guild had arrived at an understanding to work together under one umbrella viz. AIFPC, the same did not materialize and both again started functioning as Independent Bodies.

AMPTPP TODAY
Today, AMPTPP, under the guidelines, directives and leadership of able leaders like Shri Pahlaj Nihalani, President and members of the Governing Council has created an well oiled organization that is professionally run and serves as a fine example of an Association. AMPTPP is managed by Mr. Anil Nagrath, who is now the Director General with a staff strength of 16.

No wonder then that the TOP MOST Association of Producers, consisting of more than 4300 members achieved a total growth of 1000% and annual growth rate of approx 50% every year.

We went through some activities carried out by AMPTPP during the past and some of the main facilities provided at this Association which are listed below.

It is the first and only Association to have reached a remarkable figure of 4200 + members on its enrolment list in just 6 years, making it the largest representative organization of the Producer community.

It is the first and only Association to issue a special membership certificate to its members to be framed and displayed in their offices.

AMPTPP values the time of Producer members and hence realized the need of prompt services to its members, which has led it to opt for complete computerization. Traditionally, the process of title registration used to be completed in not less than 1 month. Consequently, losing out on the invaluable time and money of filmmakers indirectly. AMPTPP is the first and only Association to have installed a computer software called ‘Cinepro’ meant for title search and title registration at the click of a button. This was an effort towards eliminating the financial loss and wastage of time of its members.

It has launched its very own official website to make its presence felt globally, www.indianmotionpictures.com provides with detailed guidelines for aspiring and member Producers. The site also displays a comprehensive member profile directory comprising of their contact information and details on their projects undertaken, completed, on floor etc.

It is the first and only Association to have installed a computer software, which enables them to dictate letters, circulars, notices etc, verbally to the machine without wasting time in typing and thereby effectively doing a job of a personal secretary reducing the response time.

It is the first and only film Association to have a totally computerized accounting system. This enables online daily, weekly and monthly MIS reports. It thereby enables to know the minute-to-minute revenue, membership, titles and financial status of the Association.

It has now extended their services to the Film & TV Production Facilities providers by creating a new Production Facilities Division specifically for them, for which it has already received an overwhelming response.

It has further started a new drive to foster new talent to create an abundant supply of artistes, technicians, and budding talents in the industry by extending its support to Digital Academy and creating a Training Division.

It has settled disputes of crores of rupees every year and dispute settlement is taken up vigorously on behalf of its members and without any complaint fees.

AMPTPP has also developed a first of its kind CD-ROM database of all its members. The attractive CD packages empowers the users to have a look at the entire list of members apart from giving their addresses, contact numbers and banner names.

AMPTPP is always in the forefront for solving various common problems of the Entertainment Industry by way of organizing meetings, representations and discussions with Hon’ble Ministers and Officials concerned at both Central and State Government level for the development of the Industry.

As and when necessary, AMPTPP is the first to organize meetings with Film Personalities to perform for augmenting funds for the Central/State Government for PM/CM funds and/or for giving financial assistance to the victims of any natural calamities occurred and/or for any noble cause.

AMPTPP has recently set up its Anti-Piracy Cell to protect the Copyright of Films Produced by its members and all other Producers and has made waves in the industry by its good work that has hogged the headlines of major
Newspapers throughout the country. AMPTPP Anti-Piracy Cell members are Shri Pahlaj Nihalani (President), Shri Ramesh Taurani (Vice President), Shri Ganesh Jain (Vice President), Shri Vashu Bhagnani (Secretary),Shri Vikas Mohan (Secretary) and Shri Vijay Galani (Treasurer)

AMPTPP having become the most sought after Association of active Film Producers and TV Serial makers, has ensured that there is always a string of new members joining up to become a part of this able and efficient
organizaion.

PEOPLE BEHIND AMPTPP
GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBERS 2001-2002

Shri Pahlaj Nihalani (President)
One of India’s leading Producers, Distributors and Exhibitors of Motion Pictures for the last 19 years, he is President of the Association since 93. He is also President of the Indian Exporters Association and is currently making Talaash, Directed by Suneel Darshan.

His efforts in taking the pirates head on with the launch of AMPTPP’s anti piracy cell have borne fruit with the entire Industry’s attention focused on him and his team. His handling and attention has made this anti piracy drive, one of the most successful attempts at curbing piracy in the history of the Industry.

Shri Shyam Benegal (Vice President)
Pioneer of New Wave Cinema in India, he has quite a bunch of masterpieces to his credit with Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Mandi, Kalyug, The making of the Mahatma and the Teleseries Bharat Ek Khoj having won accolades in India and abroad.

Ms. Shabnam Kapoor (Vice President)
One of the few in a rare breed of Women film makers in India. Has produced Pyar Ka Mandir, Hulchul, Deewana, Udaan and is currently making Purab ki Laila, Paschim ka Chaila.

Shri Gordhan Tanwani (Vice President)
Owner of Baba Music and producer of Hit Movies like Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Ishq and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge make this gentleman a hit in the industry.

Shri Mahesh Kothare (Vice President)
One of the leading Producer- Directors of Marathi Films, his last film Chimni Pakhare was a chart buster.

Shri Kamal Kumar Barjatya (Hon. Treasurer)
A member of the illustrious Rajshri Family who are Producers, Distributors and Exhibitors as well. Quality cinema flows in the blood with super hits like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Saath Saath Hai & Hum Apke Hain Kaun.

Shri Yash Johar (Hon. Treasurer)
Prolific Producer of block busters like K3G, Dostana, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Agneepath, and Duplicate, he is always in the fore front as an excellent organizer whenever the Industry needs him.

Shri Ratan Jain (Hon. Gen. Secretary)
Innovative producer of flicks like Badshah, Hum Ho Gaye Aapke, Baazigar and Humraaz.

Shri Jimmy Nirula (Hon. Gen. Secretary)
A corporate career with HMV paved the way for his productions incl. Jaan Hazir Hai, Sainik, Insaaf and the present production starring Sunil Shetty and directed by Priyadarshan.

Shri Ramesh Sippy
The son of the Association’s founder President, he has made history with Sholay, Shaan, Sita aur Gita, Shakti and more.

Shri Ramesh Taurani
Owner of Tips, one of India’s Leading Music companies, he has produced Dil Hai Tumhara, Albela, Raaz, Jab Pyar kise se hota Hai, and
Kya Kehna apart from presenting a bouquet of movies.

Shri Subhash Ghai
Nothing can describe in words his showmanship,
entrepreneurial capabilities and his vision in creating a corporate
entity after super hit fare like Kalicharan, Karz, Karma, Hero, Khalnayak, Suadagar, Pardes, Taal and Yaadein.

Shri Manmohan Shetty
The pioneer of 16 mm cinema in India, he has also produced Hip Hip Hooray & Damul apart from his interests in one of the largest film labortaries and multiplexes for exhibition.

Shri Sushil Kumar Agarwal
Owner of Ultra Video, he is a leading industrialist and visionary in the audio video trade.

Shri Manish Goswami
Prolific Producer of TV programmes, his list of successful programmes is unending with hits like Kitty Party, Sapnay, Chashme Badoor, Daraar and Parampara.

Shri G P Sippy
Founder President of the Association and a veteran of 45 years in Film making, Mr Sippy has produced Brahmachari , Raaz, Bewakoof, Sholay and a host of top hits making him the light house for the Industry.

Shri Salim Akhtar
Successful film producer with hits like Batwara, Loha, Qayamat, Doodh ka Karz, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and Mitti.

Shri N. Chandra
A trend setter with hits like Ankush, Tezaab, Pratigaath, Narshimaa & Style, he is currently producing Excuse me.

Shri Harmesh Malhotra
Veteran Director of 32 films in 32 years, ie, one film per year, of which 12 are self produced is a remarkable feat in itself. Patthar Aur Payal, Nagina, Nigahen, Dulhe Raja, are just some names we can rattle off.

Shri Vashu Bhagnani
Innovative producer who changed the concept of marketing of a film has Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Dewaanapan, RHTDM, Om Jai Jagadish & Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai to his credit.

Shri Vikas Mohan
Editor of the leading Industry Journal “Super Cinema”, he is
producer of films like Libaas and Aarzoo.

Shri N. D. Kothari
Well known producer of films like Khotey Sikkay, Dharam Sankat and Divorce.

Shri Subroto Bose
A prominent member of the new wave cinema movement he has produced Apna Jahan and Sur Asur.

Shri Markand Adhikari
It is said that the growth of the TV as a medium started with Sri Adhikari Brothers who have produced TV programmes for a host of channels before venturing out to start their own Channel SAB TV.

Shri Jhamu Sugandh
One of India’s most prominent film financiers having presented Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Bombay and a host of
movies.

Shri Zafar Abid
Business and Legal Consultant to leading producers in the
Industry.

Shri Babubhai Thiba
Producer of films like Dilwale Kabhi na Hare and 3 Gujarathi films.

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