C T
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Cinema first, urges UNIC
Galalite: people first, with Covid bonuses to all staff Setting a strong example of corporate integrity against the challenges of the market, the Indian screen manufacturer Galalite has demonstrated its commitment to its staff during the CV19 pandemic by announcing a “CV19 bonus” for all employees, bucking the trend for pay cuts and redundancies. In a statement, the company explained its rationale: “Galalite has always considered its employees as part of their extended family and always pledge to provide the employees with a safe and healthy working environment. Even in these difficult times, when the Coronavirus
Brussels
pandemic has severely affected most of the industries, and especially the cinema
THE INTERNATIONAL UNION of Cinemas (UNIC),
that audiences can enjoy a
the body representing cinema trade associations
range of films. This system
and operators across 38 European territories, has
was the foundation for a
issued a clarion call for the retention of theatrical
record-breaking 2019, with
cuts. The company has not
releases following distributors’ flight to streaming
1.34 billion admissions and €8.7 billion earned at
only retained their staff, but
platforms and delays of releases.
the box office in Europe alone.
has displayed true leadership
“The
sector
faces
industry, Galalite, unlike other companies, has not laid off any employee or implemented pay
unprecedented
and concern towards them by
ensuring that recovery can happen and that
challenges. More than ever, decisions across the
announcing a CV19 bonus for
audiences return to enjoy the unique experience of
industry need to be made with a long-term
all of their employees, to help
watching films on the big screen,” stated the
perspective. If our studio partners oblige cinemas
them to deal with the ordeals
Brussels-based association, adding that “While
to wait until the sector emerges from the crisis in
of their everyday lives and
many on the distribution side have indicated that
the US before supplying new content, it will prove
combat these unfortunate
‘we are all in this together’, recent events make it
too late for many European cinemas and their
circumstances. At the same
clearer than ever that this sentiment must be
dedicated workforce. All who depend on the
time, the company takes all
backed by actions as well as words. Specifically,
success of the film industry should commit to
the precautionary measures to
new content must be released in cinemas first and
ensuring the future health of the whole sector. By
alleviate the consequences of
observe a significant theatrical window, both
doing so, they will ensure that the wider film
the crisis and maintain its
elements being essential for the survival and
industry and European cinemas — from one-screen
strong financial position.”
health of every part of the European (and indeed
independents to art-houses and multiplexes — will
global) cinema industry.”
recover and can
a large portion of its funds
“The focus of the entire industry must be on
entire
UNIC’s call sends a strong message to film distributors
Annually Galalite invests
return from this
for the continuous growth
first’ strategy for film releases — accompanied by a
crisis
and development of its
significant period of theatrical exclusivity — is a
and
proven business model, and crucial for ensuring
resilient.”
The statement continued robustly: “A ‘cinema
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stronger far
more
personnel,
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