Category: Event Coverage

  • The Content Hub 2024 – Changing Business of Content: How big is the shift and how long is it to stay?

    The Content Hub 2024 – Changing Business of Content: How big is the shift and how long is it to stay?

    Mumbai: The eighth edition of The Content Hub Summit delved into the ever-changing world of content creation. With the consolidation of platforms, creators face new hurdles in gaining visibility, maximizing revenue, and maintaining creative freedom. The event explored the remarkable theatrical success of Indian cinema and unraveled the secrets behind its unprecedented profits, with a critical eye towards its sustainability.

    The esteemed panel of industry leaders have shared their expertise on adapting to the shifting landscape, tackling daily challenges, and envisioning the future of production. 

    The session was moderated by Elara Capital senior vice president Karan Taurani which included panelists: Fremantle India managing director Aradhana Bhola, House of Talkies founder & producer Sidharth Jain, Jio Studios Head – Originals Tejkarran Singh Bajaj and producer & content head Ashima Avasthi Chaudhuri.

    Guiding the dialogue was Taurani, who steered the conversation towards the imminent trends in content consumption. Bhola espoused the paradigm shift in storytelling possibilities post-COVID, elucidating on the burgeoning spectrum of narratives that now captivate both creators and consumers alike.

    Bajaj gave a nuanced perspective on the role of data in decision-making, cautioning against its exclusive reliance. With eloquence, he delineated the delicate balance between leveraging data insights and preserving the intangible essence of creativity that distinguishes human ingenuity from algorithmic predictability.

    Jain elucidated on the challenges inherent in curating compelling narratives, underscoring the pivotal role of assembling adept teams to actualise creative visions seamlessly.

    Lastly, Chaudhari offered profound reflections on the evolving palate of the audience, emphasizing the imperatives of captivating their increasingly discerning sensibilities. With perspicacity, she underscored the exigency of recalibrating cinematic endeavors to resonate with the evolving expectations of the viewer, amidst the segmentation of diverse entertainment mediums.

    In essence, the session forged a roadmap for content creators to navigate the landscape of the digital age. 

  • The Content Hub 2024: Audio series: The new blockbuster engine

    The Content Hub 2024: Audio series: The new blockbuster engine

    Mumbai: The eighth edition of The Content Hub Summit delves into the ever-changing world of content creation. With the consolidation of platforms, creators face new hurdles in gaining visibility, maximizing revenue, and maintaining creative freedom. The event also explores the remarkable theatrical success of Indian cinema and unraveled the secrets behind its unprecedented profits, with a critical eye towards its sustainability.

    The fireside chat saw Indiantelevision.com group founder, chairman & editor-in-chief Anil NM Wanvari in conversation with Pocket FM head – India and new markets Suyog Gothi.

    During the fireside chat, Gothi discussed the platform’s journey from humble beginnings to significant success. He highlighted the inspiration behind Pocket FM, the need for longer-form content in the audio space, and the platform’s unique monetization model.

    One memorable quote Gothi said was, “We’re not just competing; we’re creating a niche for ourselves in the entertainment category.” Gothi proudly mentioned that they have had four series crossing the 100 crore revenue mark, with more on the brink, showcasing the platform’s success.

    Gothi emphasized their focus on fostering a strong community of writers and their expansion into multiple languages and global markets. He also discussed the role of AI in content creation and their vision to evolve Pocket FM into a holistic entertainment platform.

  • The Content Hub 2024 – Theatrical Bounces back, and how!

    The Content Hub 2024 – Theatrical Bounces back, and how!

    Mumbai: The eighth edition of The Content Hub Summit delved into the ever-changing world of content creation. With the consolidation of platforms, creators face new hurdles in gaining visibility, maximizing revenue, and maintaining creative freedom. The event explored the remarkable theatrical success of Indian cinema and unraveled the secrets behind its unprecedented profits, with a critical eye towards its sustainability.

    The esteemed panel of industry leaders have shared their expertise on adapting to the shifting landscape, tackling daily challenges, and envisioning the future of production.

    The session was moderated by film critic, journalist and author Mayank Shekhar along with panelists: Reliance Entertainment Studios CEO Shibasish Sarkar, Excel Entertainment producer Rucha Pathak and UFO Moviez CEO – Distribution & Film Services, Pankaj Jaysinh

    Shekhar probed the panelists on the inherent unpredictability of the film industry. Sarkar understood this volatility, noting the stark contrast between runaway hits and colossal flops, with little room for middle ground.

    Pathak highlighted the ascendancy of OTT platforms over traditional satellite and television mediums. She told that the convergence of content formats, wherein OTT offerings often mirror erstwhile TV content, potentially reshaping the market dynamics for cinematic releases.

    Jaysinh echoed this sentiment, pointing out the increasing reluctance among producers to bankroll high-budget extravaganzas. Instead, he lauded the success of smaller, niche-market productions with more modest budgets, citing examples like “Laapataa Ladies” and “Madgaon Express”.

    The session culminated on a note of reflection, encapsulating the complexities and opportunities inherent in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

  • The Content Hub 2024 – New Content Trends

    The Content Hub 2024 – New Content Trends

    Mumbai: The eighth edition of The Content Hub Summit delved into the ever-changing world of content creation. With the consolidation of platforms, creators face new hurdles in gaining visibility, maximizing revenue, and maintaining creative freedom. The event explored the remarkable theatrical success of Indian cinema and unraveled the secrets behind its unprecedented profits, with a critical eye towards its sustainability.

    The esteemed panel of industry leaders has shared their expertise on adapting to the shifting landscape, tackling daily challenges, and envisioning the future of production.

    The session was moderated by HitFlik film director & CCO Saurabh Varma which includes panelists: Inspire Films Ltd founder & managing director Yash A Patnaik, Dangal Play head Akshat Singhal, writer & director Soumik Sen, Geophil managing director Robin Philip, producer Monisha Singh Katial, GSEAMS producer, creator Kartk D Nishandar and Pratilipi co-founder & CEO Ranjeet Pratap Singh.

    Verma kicked off the discussion by highlighting the future trend of regional content, to which Katial emphasised its growing popularity beyond traditional markets. She noted the increasing viewership of South Indian movies in the Hindi belt, signaling a promising avenue for content creators.

    Nishandar echoed this sentiment, stating the importance of creating content within budget constraints while adapting to changing trends. Success, he argued, lies in the ability to evolve with the times and cater to shifting audience preferences.

    Singh drew parallels between his platform and a modern-day version of Disney, emphasizing the power of storytelling to transcend barriers of format, language, and geography. In a landscape inundated with content, he stressed the challenge of identifying what resonates with audiences.

    Sen stated the importance of audience engagement, stating that creativity thrives on interaction and connection with viewers. In an era of abundance, where choices abound, creators must actively seek to engage their audience rather than passively expect their attention.

    Philip shed light on the global perspective, highlighting the significance of international distribution in monetizing Indian content. He urged industry players to aggressively position themselves for global licensing opportunities, viewing it as a lucrative avenue for revenue generation.

    Singhal gave more importance to regional content as according to him, focusing more on niche content meaning where people can relate themselves in their daily life, can give an immense boost to the storytelling narrative.

    Patnaik gave succinct framework for content success: invite, engage, involve, and entertain. He told the importance of consistency, drawing parallels with the enduring popularity of US sitcoms characterized by their extensive episode count.

    The session wrapped up with each panelist expressing a high level of optimism regarding the future of content.

  • OTTplay wins big at INMA Global Media Awards 2024

    OTTplay wins big at INMA Global Media Awards 2024

    Mumbai: HT Labs-backed OTTplay has scored big at the esteemed INMA Global Media Awards 2024, reaffirming its position in the digital media landscape. OTTplay has won Gold (first place) in the Best Product Iteration category and Silver (second place) in the category for Best Use of an Event to Build a News Brand.

    OTTplay’s pioneering effort in product iteration was duly recognised as it managed to beat Germany’s WeltN24 (“Revitalizing the Welt Community”) and Chile’s La Tercera (“The Match Project”) for the top spot. OTTplay’s evolution from a recommendation platform to a OTT aggregator that solves the problem of maintaining multiple subscriptions while offering a unified platform to discover and consume content from across OTTs was recognised as a novel and innovative solution. This is a validation for OTTplay’s commitment to drive consistent innovation and raise the bar for the digital industry.

    OTTplay Awards, the brand’s IP that recognises the best movies, shows, actors and makers across the country helped OTTplay win the Silver for Best Use of an Event to Build a News Brand. The first of its kind, OTTplay Awards, which turns three this year, truly celebrates the One Nation One Award philosophy allowing content across all Indian regional languages to compete for ultimate glory. This activation effort stems from the brand’s belief that great content is language agnostic and OTTplay Awards provides a democratic playing field where movies, shows and makers from all regional industries compete for top honours. This win underscores OTTplay’s strategic acumen in establishing a brand that’s determined to build audience engagement through personalising content discovery and by elevating content based on merit alone.

    “To be recognised on a prestigious and global platform like INMA is a great honour and we’re humbled to receive these awards,” said OTTplay CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar. He further emphasised that this recognition is a clear testament to the sharp focus, unwavering dedication, and innovative spirit of the entire team. “This strengthens our dedication to leaving a mark on the digital media scene and discovering inventive approaches to delight our users,” Mudaliar added.

  • Buckle up for 8th Edition of The Content Hub Summit 2024

    Buckle up for 8th Edition of The Content Hub Summit 2024

    Mumbai: In an era where attention is the ultimate currency and content is king, the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment stands as a testament to the industry’s resilience and creativity. As the curtains rise on the 8th Edition of The Content Hub Summit 2024, industry stalwarts, visionaries, and innovators are set to converge in a symphony of ideas, insights, and forecasts, illuminating the path ahead in the realm of content creation and consumption.

    The Content Hub Summit 2024 which is scheduled to take place on 10 May 2024, The Westin Garden City, Goregaon East, will offer an exciting exploration of modern storytelling, diving into new trends, success strategies, and the future of content creation across platforms. From the silver screen to the digital domain, from theatrical experiences to immersive OTT adventures, the summit aims to unravel the mysteries, challenges, and triumphs of an industry in perpetual motion.

    Don’t miss out on the Exclusive Deal! Buy one ticket, get one free at 2500 + GST! Save big while it lasts!

    Grab an opportunity to network with Producers, Directors, Writers, and Industry representatives from India’s best platforms.

    A Stellar Lineup of Speakers:

    The summit boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each a luminary in their respective domains, poised to share their wisdom and experiences with eager audiences:

    Shibasish Sarkar, CEO, Reliance Entertainment Studios

    Rucha Pathak, Producer, Excel Entertainment

    Aradhana Bhola, Managing Director, Fremantle India

    Anil Thadani, CEO, AA Films

    Mayank Shekhar, Film Critic, Journalist, and Author

    Anil Khera, Founder & CEO, One Take Media Co.

    Ashima Avasthi Chaudhuri, Head – Content, Zee Studios

    Sidharth Jain, Founder & Producer, House of Talkies

    Devendra Deshpande, CEO, Friday Filmworks Pvt Ltd

    Tejkarran Singh Bajaj, Head – Originals, Jio Studios

    Sunder Aaron, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Locomotive Global Inc.

    Amogh Dusad, Head – Content, Amazon miniTV

    P.R Satheesh, Chief Executive Officer, MM TV Ltd.

    Pankaj Jaysinh, CEO – Distribution and Film Services – UFO Moviez

    Smruti Shinde, Founder and Managing Director, SOBO films

    Hitesh Kewalya – Screenwriter & Director

    Fazila Allana, Managing Director, Sol Productions

    Ravikant Sabnavis, CEO, Arha Media & Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd.

    Anil NM Wanvari, Founder, Chairman & Editor In Chief, Indiantelevision.com Group

    Yash A Patnaik – Founder & Managing Director, Inspire Films

    Rabindra Narayan, Chairman & MD, PTC Network

    Neeraj Vyas, Business Head – Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony PAL, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster

    Karan Taurani, Senior Vice President, Elara Capital

    Ajay Bhalwankar, Business Head, Sony Marathi

    Rohit Jugraj, Director & Producer

    Jai Basantu Singh, Writer and Director

    Vineet Singh, Head – Branding and Communications, Pocket FM

    Adityoa Suranna, Casting Director, Adityoa Suranna Inc.

    Anuraadha Tewari, Writer

    Aditi Shrivastava, Co-founder & CEO, Pocket Aces

    Anupama Mandloi, CEO & Co-Founder – India GreenSet

    Saurabh Srivastava, COO, Digital, Shemaroo Entertainment

    Sunir Kheterpal, Producer | ATHENA E&M

    Sunitha Tati, Telugu Film Producer, Founder & CEO, Guru Films

    Suyog Gothi, Head – India and New Markets, Pocket FM

    Jigyasa, Writer, Majburi Main Bandha Ek Rishta

    Robin Philip, Managing Director, Geophil

    With such a diverse and illustrious lineup, the summit is poised to be a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and visions for the future of content creation and consumption.

    As the Content Hub Summit 2024 prepares to unfold its chapters of enlightenment and exploration, the stage is set for a transformative journey through the realms of storytelling, innovation, and creativity. With a galaxy of industry luminaries guiding the way, attendees are poised to glean insights, forge connections, and chart a course towards a future where content reigns supreme.

    The countdown has begun, and the stage is set for a day of revelation, inspiration, and celebration at The Content Hub Summit 2024. Join us as we embark on a voyage into the heart of content creation, where every word, frame, and idea holds the power to captivate, inspire, and transform.

    Event Details:

    Date: 10 May 2024 ( Friday )

    Timings: 8.30 AM Onwards

    Venue:  The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Goregaon East.

    Registration

    Link:  https://thecontenthub.in/registration2024/register.php

    Website Link: https://thecontenthub.in/ 

  • Promax India Regional 2024 Awards recognise industry leaders

    Promax India Regional 2024 Awards recognise industry leaders

    Mumbai: The Promax India Regional 2024 Awards journeyed through a whirlwind of inspiration, innovation, and celebration, culminating in a spectacular event that unfolded on 25 April 2024. Presented by Promax Asia, the highly anticipated awards ceremony brought together the entertainment industry’s trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries for an unforgettable evening. Honouring outstanding achievements in entertainment promotion, marketing, and design, the Promax India 2024 Awards recognised those who pushed the boundaries of creativity and storytelling.

    Creative minds, visionaries, and industry leaders showcased their best work, insights, and inspirations across various categories, including ‘Best Drama Promo,’ ‘Best Brand Image,’ ‘Best Original Music/Score,’ ‘Best Social Media Campaign,’ ‘Best Entertainment Promo – Above 60 Seconds,’ and ‘Best Directing – 60 Seconds or Less,’ among others. From captivating brand campaigns to engaging promos, the event celebrated the best of the best, igniting viewers into fans and driving bottom-line results for media companies across the region.

    The event streamed live on Promax India’s official Facebook page at 4:00 PM IST on April 25th. With fierce competition across multiple judging categories, the winners emerged as true champions of their craft. The Promax India Regional 2024 Awards were broadcast live on Facebook, providing a global platform for enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders to come together and celebrate the achievements that shape the future of entertainment marketing and design.

    Shemaroo Entertainment claimed the spotlight as the night’s biggest winner, securing 12 golds and 6 silvers awards. Following closely behind were Disney Star with 5 Gold and 6 Silver awards, along with Colors Bangla and various Zee regional channels such as Zee Biskope, Zee Bangla, and Zee Tamil, among others, clinching multiple awards for their exceptional work.

    Promax Asia conference director Andy Chua said, “In the dynamic landscape of regional entertainment, the Promax India Regional 2024 Awards serve as a beacon of excellence, spotlighting the remarkable talent and creativity that drives our industry forward. Each entry represents a story, a vision, and a testament to the power of storytelling. We are honoured to witness the evolution of regional markets and to celebrate the outstanding achievements that continue to shape the future of entertainment marketing and design.”

    The event celebrated the best in regional entertainment, where participants showcased unparalleled creativity and innovation. With its increasing popularity over the years, the Promax India Regional Awards have witnessed a significant rise in participants, signalling a promising future for the regional entertainment industry. Promax India looks forward to continuing its support and recognition of talent in the years to come.

  • Artium empowers global music talent with Artium Superstar Finale and Teachers Conclave

    Artium empowers global music talent with Artium Superstar Finale and Teachers Conclave

    Mumbai: Artium Academy, a music learning and community platform, recently wrapped up its grand Artium Superstar Finale and Teacher Conclave, a two-day extravaganza that combined music, mentorship, and camaraderie. The event pulsated with vibrant energy, showcasing Artium’s burgeoning music talent. The performances were evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry luminaries, featuring the legendary Artium Academy patron-in-chief Sonu Nigam. He was joined by his father, the illustrious singer Agam Kumar Nigam, alongside stalwarts such as Aruna Sairam, P. Unnikrishnan, Louis Banks, Raju Singh, Gino Banks, Shruti Shadolikar Katkar, and Ananth Vaidyanathan.

    The grand finale, held at St. Andrew’s Auditorium in Bandra, felt like a living tapestry of musical genres and performances. The audience was treated to breathtaking shows from teachers and students alike, with everything from soulful classical pieces to high-energy pop renditions. This display of diverse talent highlighted the creative spirit that defines the Artium community.

    Out of the 46 student performers, five singers emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious Artium Superstar. Teachers, along with musicians in Artium’s marketing and academics teams also took to the stage, demonstrating that musical brilliance isn’t just confined to the up-and-coming artists but is deeply ingrained in Artium’s educator community as well.

    The following students through their extraordinary performances were announced winners in their respective categories and felicitated by the maestros and now have an opportunity to release their singles with Artium Originals:

    Category

    Winner

    Hindustani Classical Devina Nigam
    Carnatic V Bhavana
    Popular and Film Music South, Under 16 Shreyanvi N
    Popular and Film Music South, Above 16 Samathmika K
    Popular Film Music Hindi, Under 16 Devina Nigam
    Popular and Film Music Hindi, Above 16 Gargi Saha

    The diversity of music learners at Artium across walks of life was also brought to light by a very heartwarming performance by Malti Shah, 83 and Apexa Panchal, 8, on the classic song Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma; playing along with a beautifully woven video montage of Artium’s learners from across the globe.

    Yet, the event was about much more than just performances. The preceding Teacher Conclave was a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and networking, with 148 teachers from across India coming together. The conclave focused on fostering professional growth and community, unveiling a host of new initiatives, including cutting-edge technology to enhance music education and curriculum upgrades designed to keep pace with the evolving landscape of the music industry. Amidst all the discussions, the atmosphere was electric with the shared joy of belonging to a community that values creativity and collaboration.

    Artium Academy founder and CEO Ashish Joshi expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s success, saying, “Artium is committed to providing a platform for emerging artists to shine. Our two-day extravaganza not only showcased remarkable talent but also reaffirmed our mission to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration among our educators and students.”

    Echoing Joshi’s sentiments, renowned playback singer and Artium Academy patron-in-chief Sonu Nigam noted, “Artium Superstar is more than just a competition; it’s a journey of discovery and growth for young artists. I’m honored to be a part of this initiative that’s shaping the future of music in India.”

    Artium Academy’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its approach. By offering world-class music education online, the platform ensures that geographical boundaries do not hinder aspiring musicians from accessing top-notch training, mentorship, and performance opportunities. This open and diverse approach is helping to create a global network of artists united by their passion for music.

  • Goafest 2024 unveils the festival theme: ‘The Age of Adaptability’

    Goafest 2024 unveils the festival theme: ‘The Age of Adaptability’

    Mumbai: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club are delighted to announce the theme for Goafest 2024 – ‘The Age of Adaptability’. This premier event, scheduled to take place from 29-31 May at Westin Powai, Mumbai, aims to highlight the resilience and innovative spirit of the advertising and marketing industries in an era defined by rapid change.

    Goafest 2024 is set to bring together the brightest minds from across advertising, marketing, media, and business to explore how adaptability is not just a skill but an essential strategy in today’s dynamic market landscape. As industries continue to face unprecedented shifts influenced by technology, consumer behavior, and global economic factors, ‘The Age of Adaptability’ will serve as a platform to showcase and discuss how embracing change is crucial for success.

    “The theme for Goafest 2024, ‘The Age Of Adaptability’, was chosen to reflect the current ethos of our industry. Adaptability is at the core of what we do – from adjusting to new media platforms to adopting innovative marketing strategies,” said Goafest organising committee chairperson Jaideep Gandhi. “This festival will not only celebrate creativity but also the ability to pivot and thrive amidst challenges.”

    “This year, at Goafest 2024, our central theme ‘The Age of Adaptability’ has a chameleon as a mascot. The chameleon is a creature known for its remarkable adaptive prowess. Like the chameleon, which adjusts its colors to match its environment, our industry too must continuously evolve its strategies and creative approaches to thrive in changing landscapes. This year’s festival will celebrate and cultivate the chameleon-like ability to adapt swiftly and effectively, ensuring our practices remain on the cutting-edge of creativity and relevance. The Age Of Adaptability concept has been created and designed by the young and very talented team at Abnormal Design Studios.” Goafest content committee chairperson Rohit Ohri.

    This year’s festival will feature a series of keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops led by international thought leaders and innovators. Attendees can look forward to gaining insightful perspectives on topics such as digital transformation, consumer engagement in the digital age, sustainable marketing practices, and the evolution of content creation.

    Moreover, Goafest 2024 will continue to host the prestigious Abby Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in advertising. This celebration of creativity is expected to draw participants from all corners of India and beyond, setting the stage for networking opportunities and partnerships that shape the future of the industry.

    Join us at Goafest 2024 to adapt, innovate, and lead in ‘The Age Of Adaptability’.

  • Goafest 2024 and ABBY Awards by One Show 2024 to be held from 29-31 May in Mumbai

    Goafest 2024 and ABBY Awards by One Show 2024 to be held from 29-31 May in Mumbai

    Mumbai: Keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC) have taken a conscious and collective decision to host Goafest 2024 and ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2024 in Mumbai. The 17th edition of the festival will take place from 29 to 31 May, 2024 at Westin Powai, Mumbai.

    Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) president and GroupM, South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar said, “We’re excited to announce that Goafest is happening in Mumbai this year, despite a few logistical challenges. Our collective decision reflects our unwavering commitment to this esteemed event, which has evolved into a cornerstone platform for shaping the future of our industry. It’s become a vital platform for industry, becoming a nexus where industry leaders converge to explore, innovate, and chart the course for a progressive journey. We’re committed to maximizing participation, curating insightful sessions, and ensuring attendees leave with invaluable knowledge. Plus, mark your calendars: Goafest returns to Goa in 2025! Join us for an unforgettable experience at Mumbai Goafest 2024!”

    The Advertising Club present and Havas India, South East and North Asia group CEO Rana Barua said, “The ABBYs has always been a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the advertising and marketing industry. We look forward to honoring the best work of 2023 at the ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2024 this May, in Mumbai. With Westin Powai as the venue we are working towards putting together a dynamic agenda that  will be announced in due course. We are grateful and thankful to the entire fraternity for their continued support and enthusiasm.”

    The Goafest organising committee extends gratitude to all partners, members, and stakeholders for their understanding and support. The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC) assure the fraternity of their commitment to replicate the Goafest experience in Mumbai.

    Agenda, speakers, and the sessions to be announced shortly.

    For more information on the festival, follow the Goafest handle at @goafestlive and for ABBY Awards Powered by One Show, follow The Advertising Club at @theadclubindia

    Entries for ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2024 can be submitted through the following link: https://abbyawards.com/

    Stay tuned for further updates.