Business Strategy

E-City Films (I) Pvt. Limited (ECF) is active in the business of film distribution and syndication of quality film software, with a current focus on Hindi and Regional film software. ECF also actively distributes English films coming from independent houses.

E-City Film’s distribution strategy incorporates both the celluloid & digital technologies. It is one of the first distribution houses to reap the benefits that have ascended with the advent of digital cinema. In its early days, digital cinema has shown that it has not only reduced costs for the distributor but also has added at least 20% to their revenues. ECF has embraced the technology and works along with major digital cinema players in the country.

Syndication entails promoting Indian software in foreign markets with onshore and offshore marketing initiatives, as well as, sales support. ECF, in the course of film syndication, implements ideas to augment Indian film revenues by exploiting virgin overseas territories.

Business Footprint

Incorporated in 2001, ECF currently distributes 15 -20 movies per year, handling all publicity and promotion outlay of the movies, in-house. ECF has built capabilities to distribute Hindi films in all territories in India and overseas.

ECF, in addition, plans to distribute 4-5 regional films in markets such as Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

ECF offers a strong proposition to competent production houses, producers for independent releases, for the markets/circuits under its footprints.

Business Outlay

• In the recent past, ECF distributed blockbusters such as Babel, Alexander, Sahara, Million Dollar Baby etc. Some of them are also most critically acclaimed films that have received several Oscar nominations and even won Oscar Awards - Million Dollar Baby, History of Violence, Babel and Michael Clayton.
  
  
• ECF also ventures into Hindi movie distribution in the early 2005 with the distribution of Aksar, Shaadi Se Phele, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, 36 China Town, Phir Hera Pheri and Jaaneman in the Gujrat circuit.
  
  
• Capitalizing on the success of the releases in the Gujarat territory and in line with the integrating ECV’s film exhibition and digital initiative, ECF has allocated resources to distribute Hindi movies across all circuits in India. ECF has established offices all India and has recently distributed Hindi title Kaafila simultaneously in 4 territories viz. Gujarat, Saurashtra, Delhi/U.P and Nizam.
  
  
• ECF also ventured into regional movie market with the distribution of “Shankar Dada Zindabad” – a Telugu movie in the Andhra region.

Business Benefits

• ECF ensures transparency, accountability, proper channel for release, advertising and promotional furtherance for films, in a controlled business environment.



• ECF works in close co-ordination with E-City Digital Cinemas Pvt Ltd. & Fun Multiplex Pvt. Ltd (together would control 1500 screens by 2011), releases its film in various circuits. The acquired content by ECF gets the most efficient exposure ensuring optimal productivity of each celluloid & digital print.
  
  
• The presence of the Essel Group’s existing media (Zee Network) and film (E-City Ventures) establishments, help leverage relationships with the fraternity within Indian film territories.