You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?

1. Postpone / Ban the release of film- Merit- (i) It will enhance the CEO and production houses' image domestically and among public. (ii) Public wrath is avoided (iii) Future films may be given a positive response. (iv) Country's protest towards against neighbouring nation is strengthened. Demerit (i) Invite the wrath of film fraternity that does not want to compromise. (ii) It will compromise artistic creativity and freedom of speech. (iii) It might promote such demand in the future. (iv) It will imply financial loss to company and its employees. (v) It might also lead to closure of the company and also unemployment to people associated
2. Release the film as scheduled. Merit (i) Film fraternity support enhanced (ii) It Does not compromise artistic creativity & freedom of speech. (iii) It will help financially of all whose effort is put in. (iv) It might send a message that artistic creativity should be separate from politics between two countries. (v) Might help in reviving the loss making company. Demerit— (i) Public may go furious. (ii) It is against National interest and against National sentiments (iii) It might put a dent of company's image. (iv) It might lead to violent protest and further escalate issue between the countries.

The course of action I would take is (i) I will consult all the stakeholders involved and see their point of view. (ii) Since much of effort and finance has been involved and postpone or ban might imply further loss, I will try to gather public support for release of my film. This can be achieved through social media and mass media. (iii) Taking up a press conference and putting up my point of view. (iv) If I feel a situation exist where it would not worsen the present situation then I will go ahead with release. (v) Since a war like situation exist, I will seek the government of the day's advice in the situation.