The opening session saw the tourism sector in the ‘Spot Light’. The panel released the knowledge report on Film tourism in India – A beginning towards unlocking its potential. With an interactive panel with the participating State Governments including Odisha Film Development managing director Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Government of Delhi PR and publicity/tourism chief manager Sudhir Sobti and Rajasthan Tourism additional director Manisha Arora took audience through some spectacular ads and scenic beauty of Rajasthan and Odisha.
The second session was a discussion on reaching out to the GenZ audience-millennials. The panel consisted of Wattpas country head Devashish Sharma, The Viral Fever glibal head of content & business Rahul Sarangi, Graphic India chief executive officer Sharad Devrajan, Vice Media India CEO Charanpreet Arora, Viacom18 youth and music head Ferzad Palia and Discovery Kids head Uttam Pal Singh.
Talking about how consumption pattern of each generation is changing rapidly because of peer pressure and other factors, these wise men shared – 40 per cent of GenZ consume TV and 48 per cent consume Digital platform. 74 per cent of video content is consumed on YouTube and Facebook.
Arora highlighted on the LGBTQ+ inclusive content and the need to create relatable stories around them. “We did content around the LGBT much before 377 was decriminalised and many said it won’t work. But after the Supreme Court’s verdict, it is easier.”
Sharma, Singh, Sarangi and Devrajan informed about their upcoming slate of interesting and productive shows for the GenZ audience.
Next up on the stage was Alphabeta strategy and economics engagement manager Dr. Konstantin Matthies who gave an insightful and extended presentation on the growth of VOD investment in entertainment industries. He exclaimed that local Asian, Indian content is expected to grow 3.7x times by 2022 and 10 billion US dollars. He also added that four billion dollars of direct foreign investment is done in India.
To provide a better scenario on the booming digital space in India, the panel on the dual addiction of OTT and linear TV channels, and whether they will coexist was an enriching one. India continues the trend where OTT platforms, cable TV, DTH grow in tandem.
Eminent media personality Raj Nayak commented, “Audience taste is evolving and thus they want compelling stories on both OTT platforms and TV channels.”
Zee5 CEO Tarun Katiyal noted, “TV content is heavily watched on OTT platforms too. The large screen experience will remain and both of the platforms are here to stay for a while.”
The newly added breed of storytellers included the swadeshi filmmakers Sharat Katariya, Rima Das, Sharad Kelkar, Guneet Monga, Ashwinuli Iyer Tiwari and Amritpal Singh Bindra who talked about the notion behind having a safe formula to create successful movies.
Das said that while creating films or thinking if stories, she tries to connect herself to her roots and understand the real happiness and purpose behind the films, which helps in connecting with the audience.
Bindra smartly shed light in the increase in digital content, “There are more people making digital content than the number of people watching it.”
The panel agreed on the benefits of OTT platforms, stating that there is more freedom to express the content now.
The session on ‘small’ big films saw great inputs and secrets from the makers. Stree writer/producer Raj Nidimoru said, “We’re independent filmmakers who wanted to find our roof and tell good stories. When we wrote the film we knew we should do it and it clicked with the audience.”
Badhai Ho director Amit Sharma added, “It’s the idea and storytelling that matters the most. If it clicks to me as a director, it is going to click with the audience, even if it is a one line idea.”
The other panelists were Sony Pictures managing director Vivek Krishnani, Stree co-writer and producer Krishna DK, Viacom18 COO Ajit Andhare, Stree director Amar Kaushik and Jungle Pictures producer Priti Sahani.
Andhare commented that the things to keep in mind are instinct; relying on idea/story and not star power; avoiding trends; and doing something new that is not there in this plethora of local and global content market.
Another session which was full house was the Influencer’s Adda, which had Prajakta Koli, Gaurav Gera, Ssumeir Pasricha, Shrishti Dixit and Rohan Joshi. Vidooly co-founder Nishant Radia moderated the panel which had the give and takes of views. Joshi expressed that influencer is just another title given to somebody who tries something different from the crowd. Koli found that the feel-good factor is important to make anybody an influencer. The panel discussed about the branding game today and how with the help of digital content, brands are getting far more recognition.
A rocking session with Mumbaichi Rani Malishka made the session interactive with her candid questions. The panel included Alt Balaji series Apaharan’s actors Arunoday Singh, Nidhi Singh, Varun Badola, and director Siddharth Sengupta, who shared their experience while shooting on the scenic ghats of Ganga.
The Digital economy 2.0 session had insightful keynote sessions by Aditya Birla Management Corporation director telecom and Grasim Industries vice chairman Himanshu Kapania and Yaduvendra Mathur.
Central Board of Film Certification member Vani Tripathi Tikoo and filmmaker Pralhad Kakkar shed light upon the dos and don’ts that are taken care of while giving a certificate to any film. Tikoo explained how the narration of the context of the film plays an important role while censoring the content is providing the certificate.
With very insightful sessions, the day two of FICCI Frames 2019 saw the halls filled with audience eager to get informed on various topics.
The final event was the much awaited BAF Awards with which we will keep you updated.
Stay tuned!