South Asian Business news and information

I know that there are many people who love or hate Walt Disney Studios. It is one of the top animation movie makers in the world. If you make a list of Top Ten Animated Movies then some of the Disney movies will surely come. Disney officials are not only good at making cool animated movies but also they are very sharp in doing business. Last September, I wrote about Walt Disney’s move to open a Hindi Channel in India. This venture has become somewhat successful. Now, Disney bosses are going to invest in Bollywood.

I found a press release in this regard in PR Newswire:

he Walt Disney Studios has entered into an agreement with Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios, India's premier studio, to create a series of original and exclusive computer-animated feature films, it was announced today by Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, and Yash Chopra, chairman of YRF Studios. The collaboration marks the first time for both companies to enter in a co-production to produce films in India.

Commenting on the announcement, Cook said, "We're thrilled and honored to be working with Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra and their talented team at YRF Studios to create exceptional animated films in the Indian language that are culturally relevant for the avid movie-going audiences in India and around the world.

"Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra have proven themselves to be true visionaries and leaders in the Indian entertainment industry and have excelled in everything they have done. Animation is a new and rapidly expanding area in India, and the collaboration between Disney and YRF Studios will bring the very best in story-telling and cutting edge technology together as we make wonderful films that appeal to the entire family," added Cook.

Chopra said, "Yash Raj Films and YRF Studios have been at the forefront in live-action feature films for almost four decades. Together with my son Aditya Chopra, we have created our own space with the efforts of a wonderful team -- both creative and business -- and have had the opportunity of producing films that we believe in -- films that entertain a large population, as well as the Indian Diaspora.

"When YRF decided to venture into the animation space, we felt that an alliance with Disney Studios, the leader in animation represented the coming together of not just two organizations, but the teaming up of like-minded individuals committed to creating excellent product. Both companies have a common quest for excellence but also the same culture and traditions," added Chopra.

This landmark announcement by Yash Chopra and Disney is a first in the field of animation. Walt Disney Studios and YRF will work exclusively to co-produce a series of animation films in the Indian language. Both companies will be equal partners in the venture and will contribute creative, technical and financial support to the project.

Each film under this alliance will be creatively overseen by Aditya Chopra and worked on with an inventive array of leading local talent. The first film to be co-produced in this alliance will be 'Roadside Romeo,' set to release in 2008. The film will be produced by Aditya Chopra and, written and directed by Jugal Hansraj, and will utilize state-of-the-art computer animation technology done entirely in India.