Category: Movies On Mutiple Platforms

Mumbai: In the ever-changing landscape of advertising and filmmaking, the art of storytelling has emerged as a transformative force, driving brand connections and audience engagement like never before. Visual storytelling is one such thing that requires wit, strategy and creativity. Visual storytelling transcends language barriers and cultural differences and encourages creativity and originality in the way stories are presented. It provides filmmakers and advertisers with a canvas to experiment with different styles, aesthetics, and visual techniques, fostering innovation in the industry.

At the forefront of this creative revolution stands Red Comet Films’ founder and COO and IJCP Group chief strategy officer Ankit Ahuja, with whom Indiantelevision.com caught up to explore more on the topic.

Ankit is the founder and COO of Red Comet Films, a film production house with a pan India Presence. With the talent and innate ability to work well in non-fiction filmmaking, directing television commercials and digital films, Delhi-based Ankit Ahuja has amassed dozens of television, commercial and digital ad films credits since beginning his career in 2008. His most recent shows include “Highway on My Plate 2.0 with Rocky and Mayur” and a special one hour documentary titled “The Art of Motoring – The Morris Garages Story”.

Edited Excerpts:

On Red Comet Films’ inception, the idea behind it and its USP

Red Comet Films started on 9 August, 2019. 

I have always had a vision and desire to create captivating, cool, collaborative and influential video campaigns along with an eagerness in delivering messages through storytelling. Red Comet Films branched out of these ideas along with an aim to merge creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking to produce visually stunning and conceptually engaging ad films and digital content. 

Several factors like providing end-to-end solutions, agility, running on purpose-driven branding combined with our commitment to quality and having a collaborative approach has also helped the house in standing out.

On ensuring that your ad films captivate viewers from the first frame and maintain their interest throughout the entire duration in an era of short attention spans and information overload

At Red Comet Films, we understand the significance of crafting ad films that seize attention from the very first frame and keep audiences hooked till the last moment for maximum brand exposure.

We try to keep it simple and crisp and the secret lies in understanding the pulse of our audience and so we immerse ourselves in comprehensive research to comprehend the aspirations, desires, and pain points of intended viewers. 

To keep the narrative engaging, we maintain a delicate balance between creativity and strategy. While creativity sparks interest, strategic thinking ensures that the films align seamlessly with the brand’s objectives and desired outcomes.

On Red Comet Films embracing new technologies and trends to stay relevant in this dynamic environment

From concept development and scripting to pre-production, production, and post-production, continuous innovation is at the heart of our process. By experimenting with novel techniques, formats, and interactive elements, we keep our content fresh and compelling, making it difficult for viewers to look away. Add the latest technologies into the mix and films take a whole new dimension. We continuously experiment with the latest in film technology. From super fast drones for automobile commercials, to robotic camera arms for the best camera tricks, our team excels at capturing the essence of a brand or product and translating it into compelling visual narratives. 

We invest in the latest and most advanced film production equipment to ensure that our ad films meet the highest standards of quality and visual appeal. From state-of-the-art cameras to innovative lighting and sound equipment, we are committed to using cutting-edge tools to enhance our storytelling capabilities.

On condensing a compelling narrative into a concise format without losing its essence as storytelling in ad films can sometimes be restricted by time limitations.

I believe that we have honed our expertise in crafting impactful ad films that maintain the essence of the narrative even within constraints. 

Our key strategies lie in the core message that a brand might want to convey. By embracing simplicity and combining that with an attempt to create an emotional hook, we utilize the perks of visual storytelling to its utmost. 

Opening moments are also vital in a constrained period. We focus on developing a fascinating and attention-grabbing opening that quickly piques the audience’s interest and engages them in the story. Additionally, we adopt well-scripted voiceovers and on-screen text, to enrich and deepen the storyline in a short amount of time. 

We make a conscious effort to seamlessly integrate the brand into the story to strengthen its value proposition in order to make a lasting impression on the audience.

On approaching documentary projects differently from ad films, and the key elements you focus on to engage the audience in this format

Documentaries adopt a distinct nature of filmmaking where authenticity is paramount. Unlike commercials, which are frequently scripted and prepared, I feel documentaries involve meticulous research and fact-checking. So, to create a thorough and accurate narrative, we invest time and effort in deeply absorbing the subject matter, conducting interviews, acquiring data, and investigating multiple opinions. 

Documentary projects give us a chance to explore the world through the subject’s perspective. We employ a character-driven approach, allowing participants to voice their experiences, views, and difficulties in order to make the documentary more personal and captivating. 

We also ensure that we dedicate mindful attention to soundscapes, background music, and ambient sounds to improve the audience’s emotional journey.

On Red Comet Films’ collaboration with both national and international brands and differences in storytelling preferences or cultural nuances that you had to consider while crafting ad films for a global audience

Absolutely. Through our experience over time in crafting ad films for a global audience and collaborating with both national and international brands, we have realised the importance of understanding the unique sensibilities, values, and communication styles of different regions or cultures. 

We explore universal themes that have cross-cultural appeal while also being mindful of local preferences. Identifying cultural variances has allowed us to avoid anything that may be judged offensive or improper in a particular region. We keep in mind to be sensitive in our usage of humour and tones so that they do not misalign with the social norms and values of the viewers of a particular place.

Language also plays a crucial role in communicating with our audience due to which we tailor the information or content based on linguistic preferences. Red Comet Films values diversity and inclusion in storytelling, amplifying a diverse spectrum of voices and viewpoints. These serve to increase the audience’s relatability which helps in conveying the intended message effectively.

On the future of ad film production and storytelling, and  envisioning Red Comet Films contributing to the evolving landscape

The future of ad film production and storytelling is a canvas of infinite possibilities for Red Comet Films. What inspires us the most is the meeting point of art and technology which allows us to further explore cutting-edge breakthroughs like never before. We aim to dive deeper into incorporating more of virtual reality and augmented reality as gateways to immerse viewers in captivating worlds, blurring the borders between fiction and reality.

By delving deeper into data analytics, we want to have a better understanding of audience preferences so that the content we put forward elicit a visceral response from even the most picky viewers. 

At Red Comet Films, we embrace weaving tales that defy convention, incite wonder, and connect hearts in an unbreakable bond. Purpose-driven branding drives our passion which brings a greater meaning and a profound sense of responsibility into our ad films. 

We commemorate brands that are dedicated to making a positive impact and we want to continue working with them to keep creating narratives that inspire change and illustrate the road to a better world.

Mumbai: Catering to the vision of audiences, India’s largest multiplex chain PVR INOX Ltd, has announced new attractively priced offers for F&B that can be availed at all PVR INOX cinemas across the country. The announcement aims to enhance the cinematic experience for patrons. Beginning today, moviegoers can purchase food items ranging from hotdogs to burgers, popcorn and sandwiches, beverages and exciting combos starting at just INR 99 from Mondays to Thursdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Cinephiles who plan to watch films during the weekend can claim Bottomless Popcorn featuring unlimited tub refills along with attractively priced Family Meal Combos, bringing down the F&B spending by as much as 40 per cent 

“Resonating with patrons is the key to successfully running a cinema chain. All our efforts are directed towards catering to audiences as we wish to provide them with an unparalleled cinematic experience when they visit our premises. We have been actively listening to consumers’ thoughts on our F&B pricing strategy and have therefore curated cost-effective F&B deals that will appeal to moviegoers and also address their concerns.” said PVR INOX Ltd executive director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli. 

He further added, “Our merger, which placed us amongst the top cinema chains in the world, now offers us a larger canvas, allowing us to cater to a wider segment of the audiences across the country and curate the best offerings for them. We are certain that our reformed packages will appeal to the smaller group sizes visiting cinemas on weekdays, and the larger groups, including families, who prefer watching films on weekends, ensuring their needs are met. Our endeavour is that all our guests enjoy the best of our F&B offerings, not only the popular cinema snacks but also the gourmet offerings prepared by our highly skilled team of Chefs. We are delighted to bring in this watershed offering for our guests and are certain that this would further strengthen our bond with them further. The line-up for the next few Quarters looks phenomenal and we are sure that the excitement of the movies will be well serviced by our newly structured F&B offerings”.      

The slate of films scheduled to release this year will elevate the excitement level of viewers across varied choices. Titles include anticipated Hollywood releases including Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning Part One, Barbie, Oppenheimer, The Marvels, Killers of the Flower Moon, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, to name a few. We’ll also witness major Bollywood titles like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dunki, Sam Bahadur, Animal, OMG 2, Tiger 3 and Dream Girl 2. There are also widely anticipated Southern films like Pushpa 2, Indian 2, Salaar and Jailer.

 

We at PVR believe that every opinion matters and it must be respected. We have this update for you and for every moviegoer in India #PVRHeardYou https://t.co/rrBL3xFUJs pic.twitter.com/PsOvxxqAaj

— P V R C i n e m a s (@_PVRCinemas) July 12, 2023

 

Mumbai: The moment to enjoy yet another high-octane mission with the world’s most lethal agent Ethan Hunt has arrived with the imminent release of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One in cinemas on 12 July 2023. Adding to the anticipation and thrill of the film, PVR INOX has rolled out a seven-stage exclusive & online Mission Impossible Challenge where patrons stand a chance to win assured prizes & vouchers on purchase of tickets of this movie from the app and website of PVR and INOX.

From 4 to 11 July 2023, audiences can take part in the Mission Impossible challenge by booking tickets for the film on the PVR and INOX apps and websites. Upon booking, patrons get a confirmation message that will take them to the seven-stage Mission Impossible Challenge. Winners will receive exclusive vouchers that can be availed until 31 July 2023. The winners can also share the award card on social media straight from the gaming platform.

Commenting on this initiative, PVR INOX’s co-CEO Gautam Dutta, shared, “PVR INOX continues to provide exhilarating movie-centric experiences to patrons, which are not only exciting, but also rewarding. Going by the anticipation around the release of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One, we have curated an equally enthralling gaming experience, which would match the buzz of the movie. We are excited for the film to unfold and, in anticipation, have launched this enthralling challenge that will entice fans as they stand a chance to win exclusive vouchers valid at the cinemas. MI7 is undoubtedly the most awaited action film of the year, featuring the legendary Tom Cruise, who reprises his role as Ethan Hunt. We are certain of a great turnout for the film and are eager to welcome audiences.”

Tom Cruise returns once again with the franchise’s seventh film, which teases an adrenaline high with captivating twists and turns alongside exhilarating stunts & action sequences. The film follows Ethan Hunt and the IMF team, who must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the world’s fate at stake, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than the mission not even the lives of those he cares about most.

For a mission this immense, the challenge has to be enormous too. We bring to you the Mission Impossible 7 Challenge

Take this up now and unlock opportunities to win an assured prize

Steps:
1. Visit the PVR or INOX Mobile App/Website from July 4th to July 11th and book a… pic.twitter.com/CXsJlqKTDc

— INOX Leisure Ltd. (@INOXMovies) July 4, 2023

Mumbai: The era of Superheroes has dawned upon audiences with stand-out films to essay the background story of every exemplary character. For fans of DC, the long wait ends as The Flash gears up to release on 16 June 2023. Taking the excitement a notch higher, PVR INOX has announced The Flash Sale from 12 to 14 June 2023, wherein fans can book tickets at a discount of 50 per cent exclusively on the apps of PVR and INOX. Each day will comprise two 20-minute time slots wherein fans can avail of the discount. Users must be signed into the app and turn on notifications to be notified of the sale. While booking, users will have to use the code ‘FLASHSALE’ to avail the discounts.

PVR INOX’s co-CEO, Gautam Dutta shared, “The Flash is a story around time and time travel. The Flash Sale campaign is cleverly curated around the significance of time, which would excite Flash fans across the country. The Sale would also allow us to gratify the fans through handsome discounts. We are delighted to enhance the anticipation around the film through this unique digital initiative for this highly anticipated movie. We foresee great numbers for the film and look forward to welcoming fans to the cinemas. At PVR INOX, we always endeavour to provide an immersive cinematic outing for our patrons with unparalleled experiences and stellar offerings”.

Warner Bros Discovery VP and managing director – India theatrical  Denzil Dias added, “We are very excited to release The Flash in cinemas on  15 June across India. The Flash has a special place in the hearts of its fans and this special initiative by PVR INOX will surely set the tone for the movie’s release. The Flash sale initiated by PVR INOX surely complements our marketing for the film and incentivises fans to be quick and speedy, just like the fastest man of the DC Universe”.

Ezra Miller, the film sees The Flash travels back in time for a crucial juncture in his life, which traps him in an alternate reality without metahumans. Audiences will also be delighted to witness Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, and Sasha Calle play pivotal roles.

Gear up for the in-app exclusive PVR INOX sale of The Flash, commencing 12 June 2023 onwards! Users may see more details and the T&Cs of the sale on the mobile apps of PVR and INOX.

Join the fun at your nearest PVR INOX cinemas as The Flash is all set to unfold on 16 June 2023, taking fans to the lightning universe of DC.

Mumbai: India’s largest multiplex chain, PVR INOX, has announced that its first-of-its-kind content innovation, the 30-minute Trailer Screening Show, introduced in the month of April, has sold more than 2.5 lac tickets in the first 50 days of being introduced. This 30 minute extravaganza offers a unique cinematic experience to the viewers where they can watch 10-12 trailers of the most anticipated films at an amazing price of just rupees one! The initiative has proven successful with a phenomenal audience response and a highly encouraging audience retention rate of more than 40 per cent.

Audiences in Mumbai have loved this offering the most, followed by Delhi and Bengaluru. Other than the audiences, production houses and filmmakers too have expressed their appreciation of this innovation. Besides enthralling the movie-lovers across the country, the 30-minute quick and ‘snackable’ entertainment package is also serving those audiences well who have to spend time in the mall, either while waiting for friends, or for their new clothes being altered or their cars being washed.  

Commenting on The Trailer Show’s success, PVR INOX Co-CEO Gautam Dutta said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to The Trailer Screening Show. It is heartening to witness the enthusiasm from moviegoers across the country. The Trailer Screening Show has not only excited the film lovers, but has also succeeded in helping us promote the film in the best possible manner – through trailer showcasing. With an extremely encouraging retention rate of more than 40%, the effectiveness of the initiative is there to be seen. We are delighted to have created an exclusive first-of-its-kind platform which benefits not just our patrons but also the filmmakers. We remain committed to curating unique and engaging initiatives that enhance the cinema experience for our patrons.”

Talking about The Trailer Show by PVR INOX, actor and Action Hero Films producer Vidyut Jammwal said, “The Trailer Show by PVR-INOX is a pioneering initiative within the industry, which has already achieved significant success and is poised to continue trending in the future. Providing a platform to showcase trailers of upcoming releases helps bridge the gap between audiences and the films, while preserving the excitement and momentum. I am delighted with the positive response received from cinema guests for the IB71 trailer, and I am confident that more production houses will join this trend as it facilitates effortless promotion and recognition for highly anticipated films scheduled for release. I am sure this wonderful platform would do more wonders in the future.”

Commenting on the success of the Trailer Show, Warner Bros Discovery VP and MD India Theatrical Denzil Dias added, “Our films are best experienced on a big screen so it is natural that our fans should also view trailers on the big screen. With the introduction of the ‘Trailer Show’ now the audience can watch trailers in the format that our filmmaker always sought their promos to be seen on. The Trailer Show is a simple yet incredibly efficient way for us to promote films, as trailers provide the best glimpses of the upcoming films. It is critical that these important 2 minutes be presented in the best possible way to attract viewers. We witnessed a fabulous response when the Fast X & Evil Dead Rise trailers was featured in the show. Through the world’s first-ever Trailer Show, PVR INOX has created a platform where viewers can access trailers of upcoming releases for a low cost of Re. 1. Judging by the audience response to this 30-minute show, it has surely been a huge hit and, undoubtedly, among production houses as well. We eagerly look forward to showcasing the trailers of our future releases on the big screens with The Trailer Show.”

Sharing his views on the Trailer Screening Show, Sony Pictures Releasing International general manager Shony Panjikaran, India said, “Nothing can beat the experience of watching films at the theatres, and PVR INOX has always provided moviegoers with an unsurpassed experience. So, it’s only fair that trailers which are a glimpse of these films should also be enjoyed amidst these unmatched premium settings. Trailers have always been the best promotional tool for any film. We are thrilled that ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’, ‘Sisu’, and ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ trailers were part of this unique and exclusive trailer screening show. We congratulate the PVR INOX team for devising such an innovative platform, which is benefitting every stakeholder in the industry, besides proving to be a great entertainment offering for the audiences, at a price of just a rupee.”

Trailers are the best glimpses of a film and deserve to be watched exclusively on the big screens for the ultimate experience. The Trailer Screening Show has successfully brought this change in the minds of audiences regarding trailers. Not just that, watching trailers on a big screen just like the actual movie, has helped influence the moviegoer’s decision-making and kept their excitement levels high for the upcoming releases. PVR INOX is planning to take the next steps in this initiative with promotional activities and tie-ups with car wash stops, retail stores and other public spaces in the malls and close vicinity of their theaters.