ADLABS FILMS BECOMES MEMBER OF FDA
(23 October 2007)

The potential for Hindi films in UK cinemas continues to rise – this summer saw huge Bollywood blockbusters in the UK box office top 10 with 'Partner' (Eros International) which got to no.5 in the UK box office top 10, and successes with 'Heyy Babyy' and 'Cheeni Kum'. With the market for Bollywood films in the UK going from strength to strength, Bollywood distributor: Adlabs’ has become an official member of the UK’s Film Distributors’ Association. Adlabs is the second Indian films distributor to join FDA, which now has 21 member companies.

BOLLYWOOD SUMMER 2007 BLOCKBUSTERS

ABOUT ADLABS

Adlabs was founded in India in 1978 as a processing unit for advertising films. In the 1980s, it expanded to take on the processing of theatrical release prints and remains market leader in this sector today. In 2001, Adlabs began its cinemas business by opening India’s first IMAX® theatre in Mumbai and it is now India’s largest cinema chain. The company has subsequently diversified into film and television production.

Adlabs Films (UK) Ltd. was established 15 months ago and within a short time span has captured a significant share of the Bollywood box-office. Its previous offerings include'Krrish', 'Umrao Jaan', 'Baabul' and 'Dil Apna Punjabi'. In August, Adlabs released Willard Carroll’s 'Marigold' starring Salman Khan with US TV star Ali Larter in the title role.

Pranab Kapadia, Business Head at Northolt-based Adlabs Films (UK) Ltd., said: “Adlabs has long been at the forefront of media developments. As the world’s third largest theatrical market, with a significant population of ethnic consumers, we are keen to make an impact in the UK, and look forward to engaging with more industry issues through FDA.”

Mark Batey, FDA Chief Executive, said: “The potential for Hindi films in UK cinemas continues to rise – it’s rare to find a week without a Bollywood film in the top ten – and Adlabs is committed to the further development of this important market segment. We’re delighted to welcome them into FDA.”

ABOUT THE FILM DISTRIBUTORS' ASSOCIATION

The 21 member companies of Film Distributors’ Association, accounting for approx 97% of UK cinemagoing, are: Adlabs Films (UK), Artificial Eye, Contender Entertainment, Dogwoof Pictures, Entertainment Film Distributors, Eros international, Icon Film Distribution, Metrodome Distribution, Momentum Pictures, Optimum Releasing, Paramount Pictures, Park Circus, Pathé Distribution, Sony Pictures, Tartan Films Distribution, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Verve Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK, Warner Bros. and The Works UK Distribution.