GECs
FWICE strike: TV and Film shoots to continue, resolution expected
MUMBAI: The issue of strikes continues to plague the film and television industry as issues keep cropping up between various union bodies and federations every now and then. This time around, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) members were set to go on a non-cooperation strike from 3 October, 2015 to demand an increase in their daily wages and improved working conditions.
And to deliberate on the same, producer members attended a meeting on 1 October, 2015 at 6:30 pm at Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) office and discussed the legal proceedings as well as the way forward.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com post the meeting, a present member on condition of anonymity said, “The members wanted an amicable solution and they are willing to sign a legally permissible MoU. This should bring a positive result and the matter may get resolved with the federation.”
The Bombay High court order pertaining to the same issue reads, “Though nobody can be stopped from calling a strike, there cannot be any rebel activities within 150 metres distance of any shoot location. The not working propaganda can be voluntary but cannot be forced.”
There were speculations and rumours that if somebody works during the non-cooperation period, their membership card will be rejected. Diminishing all such possibilities court says, “No craft can threaten to cancel membership cards.”
The court also suggested to appoint Justice Krishna to mediate things.
It may be recalled that in May this year, FWICE had threatened to go on a strike if the producers’ bodies did not renew the MoU, which had expired in February. However, the strike was called off after a meeting between the two bodies.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
