The biggest problem in Tollywood now is the sale of digital rights. Questions about how to sell them, who to approach, and who to deal with are pressing concerns.
All the major OTT companies are corporate, multinational organizations. However, some production houses can sell their films as soon as they are announced, while others, despite having promising projects, face delays.
In the past, a similar situation existed with satellite rights sales. Mediators took commissions and facilitated sales.
Even prominent producers like Allu Aravind had to rely on these mediators because direct approaches were ineffective.
Some satellite channel employees bought movies indiscriminately, causing losses, which led to the channel halting movie acquisitions.
Some people in Tollywood can influence any multinational company.
Earlier, a corporate organization provided financial assistance but exited the market after facing losses due to middlemen who manipulated the acquisition of some films.
Rumors suggest that some Tollywood producers manipulated a representative of a TV Plus OTT company, leading to projects being set up and commissions shared.
Currently, a multinational OTT company faces a similar issue. The company buys films from some producers before they even begin production, while ignoring others.
For instance, a senior hero's film, which is 80 percent complete and backed by a reputable banner and director, has not been sold digitally. Conversely, a project involving the same senior hero with a young director has been sold even before production started.
What's causing this disparity? The film industry is questioning these practices. Are multinational company employees playing with vested interests?
It seems that some big producers have escalated this issue to the multinational OTT organization's higher authorities via email.
They complained that the OTT company employees are buying films from certain companies regardless of content or collaboration, whether the films are big or small.
Reports suggest that emails have been sent to the global officials of the respective OTT company, urging a thorough investigation into these practices.
The truth will soon be revealed if there is a noticeable change in the OTT company's methods and decisions.
